Water-related violence nearly doubles in two years as climate crisis fuels global conflicts

A troubling surge in water-related violence is sweeping across the globe, with incidents nearly doubling from 235 in 2022 to 419 in 2024, according to new data from the Pacific Institute, a leading US environmental research organization.

The dramatic 78% increase reflects a growing crisis that experts say is being driven by multiple interconnected factors: accelerating climate change, widespread corruption, and the absence or mismanagement of critical water infrastructure. Despite the alarming trend, researchers warn that governments and international organizations are doing far too little to understand the root causes or implement effective prevention strategies.

Water conflicts take many forms, from violent disputes between communities over dwindling river resources to armed clashes at wells and irrigation systems. As droughts intensify and water sources become increasingly unreliable due to climate change, competition for this essential resource is escalating into deadly confrontations worldwide.

The Pacific Institute’s findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive action to address both the immediate violence and its underlying causes. Experts emphasize that without significant investment in water infrastructure, governance reforms to combat corruption, and coordinated climate adaptation strategies, these conflicts will likely continue to multiply. The data serves as a stark reminder that water security is not just an environmental issue—it’s increasingly a matter of human safety and global stability.