drought

Water scarcity's effect on food production means radical steps will be needed to feed population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050

Call comes as separate reports find US heatwave will force up inflation and could cost insurers more than $5bn

New global report aims to help businesses identify the tools and practices that can best enhance water efficiency

Pressure for action intensified last week as the department of agriculture warned food prices may be set to soar worldwide

Flood defence spending needs to rise £20m above inflation each year or four times as many properties may end up at risk

New UN-backed principles endorsed by insurance firms with over $5tr of assets under management

Engineers warn delaying the Water Bill further increases the risk of shortages

Wet April sees 19 counties declared drought free but Environment Agency remains concerned at groundwater levels

More than half of water companies will not be required to reduce leakages before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years

Report says governments across Europe may need to send prices signals as part of urgent action needed to tackle shortages