Due to the changes in climate, pollution and bad planning some of the largest and well-known rivers in the world are currently at risk of drying up. An environment group called WWF made a study that pays attention to ten best-known rivers that can dry up in case people won't take certain measures. The report states that indifference towards these rivers might lead to "fresh water emergency."
Among the ten rivers that the report is focused on five are situated in Asia. These include the Yangtze, the Salween and the Ganges. In serious danger are also: Danube, that flows in Europe, African Nile and Rio Grande, flowing in South America.
One of the most important issues that the report focuses on is concerned with the dams and dykes, like the ones along the Danube. The representatives of WWF stated that both dams and dykes were the cause of destruction of the river basin's wetlands and floodplains. About 80 percent was destroyed.
Another problem concerns the extraction of water for agriculture. An notable example of the issue, as showed by the report, is the Indus river, flowing in India. Water over-extraction might cause water scarcity which in its turn is a threat for the freshwater fish populations. These represent an important food source for people around the globe.
The report calls on governments to provide a better protection of rivers and a sustainable water use. In such a way governments will be able to protect the livelihoods of people and the habitat, which is being provided by freshwater sources.
Heading the Freshwater programme of WWF, Dr. David Tickner, outlined the fact that today our world is facing a massive freshwater crisis. This fact, he said, might be as harmful as the change of climate.
Those businesses that deal with food and fibre products use a large amount of water, which is why they must look for a more efficient way to use the vital resource of our planet, said Gr. Tickner.
For a better response to the issue the WWF said that countries should have certain agreements on smart use of water resources. In addition Dr. Ticker stated that the crisis of the freshwater is much bigger than the rivers listed in the report. "It mirrors the extent to which unabated development is jeopardising nature's ability to meet our growing demands." he said.
Several factors including climate change and pollution may put at risk of drying up some of the largest rivers on the globe, a report by the environmental group WWF says. Following a study of ten rivers currently at risk of drying up, the group warns that without any action the process of drying up might lead to freshwater emergency.

Three Gorges dam across the Yangtze is the largest hydroelectric river dam in the world
The report analyzes ten rivers, including the Yangtze, the Ganges and the Salween in Asia; the Danube in Europe and Rio Grande in North America.

The study raises concerns overs dams and dikes, which the report says destroy 80 percent of river basin's wetlands and floodplains.

Another problem is the extraction of water for agriculture. The environment group states that active extraction of water, such as in the Indus river, takes its toll on our planet's rivers. Over-extraction might lead to its scarcity and have a serious negative impact on freshwater fish populations, which represents an important food source.

The report says governments should ensure better protection of rivers and provide more sustainable water use, in such a way that people's livelihoods are protected.

According to Dr David Tickner, head of WWF UK's Freshwater programme, the freshwater crisis is a serious problems that could worsen as climate changes. He said that preserving rivers and providing security of water flows should be seen as part of national security, health and economic success.