Water Resources and Water Scarcity

Water resources play a crucial role in our lives and across the globe, but the increasing demand for water is causing several issues.

Significance and Problems of Increasing Water Demand

Water is an essential commodity for life, and its demand continues to rise due to agriculture, industry, and population growth. The resulting water scarcity has become a severe global issue. Adequate water quality and access to clean water are essential for building a healthy society, yet a significant number of people still lack access to clean water for daily use.

From a global perspective, deaths due to water scarcity occur on a considerable scale annually. Water scarcity not only poses economic problems but also leads to a decline in the quality of life. It can escalate into conflicts between nations facing water shortages.

Imbalance Between Seawater and Freshwater

Approximately 97.5% of the world’s water is seawater, and only a tiny 2.5% is freshwater. This imbalance makes direct utilization of seawater challenging, and as the demand for freshwater continues to increase, water scarcity problems worsen.

Many countries globally are experiencing stress due to freshwater shortages. This imbalance highlights how water scarcity issues impact the entire planet.

Limits of Water Resources and Unequal Distribution

The currently available water resources are only a tiny fraction of the total water supply. This global scarcity indicates an unequal distribution of water resources, potentially leading to conflicts and instability between nations.

On a global scale, China holds 19% of the world’s population but possesses only 6.5% of freshwater resources. In contrast, Canada has a population share of 0.5% but holds 20% of freshwater resources.

Real Case of Water Resource Issue: Aral Sea

The Aral Sea serves as a prominent example of water resource problems. Large-scale irrigation for cotton and rice cultivation has led to significant changes in the Aral Sea. This environmental degradation, coupled with climate change, has profoundly impacted the local community.

Water resource problems are a critical global issue, emphasizing the need for efficient water use and sustainable management. Recognizing our responsibility and role regarding water, collaborative efforts are essential to contribute to sustainable water management.