#water security

All articles tagged with "water security"

Desalination is becoming more central and more concentrated in the Middle East

Fresh water from desalination remains a small share of global withdrawals, but in parts of the Middle East it has become foundational infrastructure for drinking water, cities, and industry.

Key Takeaways

Desalination provides 99% of drinking water in Qatar, according to the supplied text.
The Middle East hosts 4,897 of the world’s 17,910 operational desalination facilities cited.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 9, 2026·via technologyreview.com

Middle East Desalination Plants Face Growing Risk From Conflict and Climate Stress

As regional conflict escalates, desalination plants that supply drinking water across much of the Middle East are emerging as critical and vulnerable infrastructure under pressure from both attacks and climate change.

Key Takeaways

The report links desalination vulnerability to both regional conflict and extreme water stress.
Several countries have reported damage or threats involving desalination infrastructure.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 7, 2026·via technologyreview.com