Final answer:
The provided UN data points to severe water shortages affecting 700 million people, with the potential for displacement due to drought being a severe risk, though the exact figure for 2030 specific to drought displacement is not explicitly stated. By 2025, water stress may impact over 3 billion people globally, escalating concerns for food security, conflict, and increased displacement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about 700 million people being at risk of displacement by drought by the year 2030 is not directly supported by the United Nations information provided. It is instead noted that severe water shortages now affect at least 700 million people, and the issue is expected to worsen due to climate change. By 2025, it is estimated that more than half the world's population will face water shortages. Thus, while the pressure and risks of displacement due to water scarcity are increasing, the exact figure for the year 2030 specifically focusing on displacement due to drought alone is not clearly confirmed by the provided UN data. Nevertheless, the larger context of escalating water stress and its implications for displacement is acknowledged.
Already in 2006, 700 million people experienced water stress, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Predictions suggest that by 2025, over 3 billion could live in water-stressed areas. The climate change impacts on water scarcity, food production, and potential for conflict are identified as significant problems. Additionally, the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons is exacerbated by such environmental stresses, which could lead to further displacement.
Freshwater availability is indeed a growing concern globally, with many people already living without enough clean water or facing water stress or scarcity. This challenge is expected to affect almost 7 billion by the middle of the century, whereas half of the world's population could face water shortages by 2025. As for major metropolitan areas, they are likely to experience moderate to severe droughts by the end of this century, complicating the supply of drinking water and agriculture.