According to his words, in a century where competition for power intensifies across all fields, the most strategic and valuable resource in production and energy is water. He highlighted this at the opening of the 563 facilities built by Turkey's State Hydraulic Works (DSI).
"The struggle that was for oil and other fossil fuels in the last century will be for water in the coming period. Looking at the heated conflicts around us, we can already see these signs," said Erdogan.
He reminded that water is threatened due to climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. He emphasized that the global annual average precipitation is 990 millimeters (990 liters per square meter), while Turkey's average is 574 millimeters (574 liters per square meter).
"This shows us that we are obliged to protect, use rationally, and manage our water before we reach the point of exhaustion," Erdogan conveyed.
He called on the population and institutions to adopt a rational approach to water. As he stated, care must be taken not to waste not only tap water but also river water.
He reminded that global demand for clean water is increasing, but it is becoming scarcer due to excessive consumption and pollution.
"Currently, 2.2 billion people in the world do not have safe access to drinking water. According to the World Water Report, it is estimated that six billion people will not have access to sufficient clean water by 2050. On top of all this, the climate crisis most threatens our water, our source of life," said Erdogan.
He noted that Turkey is facing some of the greatest threats from climate change, including forest fires and floods, writes the Hurriyet newspaper.