Turkey and Middle Eastern countries could face severe water shortages by 2030 amid a sharp drop in rainfall, ecologist Sinan Can said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that the country's largest cities - Ankara, Bursa and Istanbul - were already experiencing water shortages. The Turkish leader blamed the shortages on opposition municipalities that took control of these cities after the recent elections. According to the head of state, the inaction of local authorities has worsened the situation amid the drought.
“According to data from the meteorological service, precipitation in Turkey has dropped to its lowest level in 52 years in the past 12 months and by 31% in the Mediterranean region“, said an ecologist quoted by the DHA news agency.
The expert stressed that water shortages could become acute in the coming decades.
“Data show that access to water will become more difficult in the future: by 2030, our country and the region will face a serious water shortage“, the ecologist noted.
The expert called for the search for new water sources and water extraction through drilling.
“Water is life. Without water, living organisms cannot exist. "If access to water is reduced, it will lead to economic and social problems. Efficient use of water is only possible with the joint efforts of society as a whole. Everyone must do everything possible to make our cities and water resources more resilient to climate change," the ecologist added.