16. Severe water scarcity
Several billion people will experience water scarcity by the end of the century. According to one estimate, there could be a 40% gap between global water demand and reliable water supply already by 2030.
17. Severe drought in India and Pakistan
India’s national water supply is forecast to drop to half of demand as soon as 2030, and Pakistan will face severe water scarcity by 2025.
18. Increase in vector-borne diseases
Changes in temperature, precipitation rates, and humidity are expected to increase the incidence of diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
19. Extreme political instability
Changes in available food and water resources, mass migrations, and other issues could result in widespread instability in regional governments as well as severe armed conflicts.
20. Nuclear war
Resource shortages and displaced populations, which are escalated by the climate emergency, are triggers of conflict. Scientists have not ruled out such worse-case scenarios as the possibility of nuclear war.