20% of the world’s population but only 7% of its freshwater reserves. The Dry 11 of 31 regions of mainland China provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities (including Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin) have renewable resources per capita per annum below 1,000 cubic meters, a water poverty level considered by experts to pose a severe constraint on food production, economic development and protection of natural systems. These Dry 11 have water resources comparable to the Middle East. The economy runs on water - 85% of water use in China by agriculture and industry and experts project that demand for water may not be met by 2030. Food security - The Dry 11 regions account for RMB2.4 trillion or 40% of the total agricultural output value of China. Industrial disruption – The Dry 11 regions account for RMB28.7 trillion or 52% of the total industrial output value of China. Energy issues – 96% of power in China requires water to generate. Pollution exacerbates scarcity. 77% of the 26 key lakes and reservoirs and 43% of the 7 major river basins monitored are unfit for human contact. Already, 19% of rivers and basins and 35% of key lakes and reservoirs are essentially useless for both agricultural and industrial use. According to the World Bank, 300 million rural Chinese still lack access to safe drinking water and as water stress worsens, estimates there could be 30 million environmental fleeing water stress by 2020 in China. Countries such as India, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia rely on water from China. As a result, China Water Risk believes that "Regardless of whether we care for the environment, we have come to a point where water risks affect us all – as businesses, as investors and ultimately as individuals." References External links Environmental organisations based in Hong Kong Water scarcity