The world population is projected to grow from 6 billion in 1999 to 9 billion by 2045. As a direct result, the demand for both water and energy is expected to increase as well. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Data Base)

• Water withdrawals are predicted to increase by 50 percent by 2025 in developing countries.
• Water withdrawals are expected to increase 18 percent in developed countries during the same time period. 
• Overall global energy use is expected to increase nearly 50 percent from 2007 to 2035.
  (Source: International Water Management Institute)

Understanding these facts - and the specific ways in which population growth is expected to influence water and energy production and demand - is critical to ensuring the world is prepared for the future. We need to know where the demand will be greatest in order to determine the type of water and energy sources that can best meet these needs.

This section highlights facts and figures that outline the growing demand for water, projected water shortages and challenges, the growing demand for energy, and the amount of water used for each individual.