Turkey’s Water Crisis: Climate Change Pushes Nation Towards Scarcity

Turkey is facing a growing water crisis, with climate change exacerbating existing water scarcity, according to the Turkish Water Institute (SUEN). Prof. Dr. Lütfi Akca, head of SUEN, warns that population growth and shrinking water resources could push Turkey towards water poverty in the coming years. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals report for 2024 reveals that almost half the world’s population experienced water scarcity in 2022. Turkey currently has a total of 112 billion cubic meters of water, including both groundwater and surface water. While this equates to 1,312 cubic meters per person annually, this figure is susceptible to decline due to population growth and climate change, placing Turkey within a water-stressed category. With increasing demands for water from agriculture, industry, and a growing population, Turkey’s water resources are becoming increasingly strained. The situation is particularly critical in regions like Konya Plain, where water scarcity is already at critical levels. While Turkey has a robust water infrastructure, including over 1,000 dams and irrigation systems, the country needs to prioritize sustainable water management practices to ensure its future water security.