Unprecedented pressure on water resources- Energy and water resources are coming under unprecedented pressure from increasing population numbers, increased demands from industry and growing economies putting a strain on ecosystems, according to recent forecasts by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Global agriculture production will have to rise by a half to feed the world's population when it reaches 9 billion, whereas water is already under sore pressure, yet supplies will have to rise by 15%. By 2035, global energy consumption will rise 35%, which will itself lead to a 15% rise in water usage, with the share of water used for electricity generation rising by 85%. Climate change will further add to the uncertain situation by increasing the variability of water supplies and intensifying the frequency of drought and floods, states the World Bank in an article on future energy supplies. (IL)