Water is a fundamental element of life on Earth and plays a crucial role in many aspects of our existence:
Necessity for survival: Water is the main component of all living organisms. It is changes in all biological processes, including breathing, digestion and temperature regulation.
Climate regulation: Oceans and other water masses play a key role in regulating climate. They absorb and release heat, influencing weather patterns and climate systems.
Food security: Water is essential for agriculture and food production. It’s used for watering plants, livestock farming and food production.
Economic development: Water plays a key role in industry, energy and transport. Many economic sectors depend on access to sufficient water resources.
Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, rivers and seas provide vital conditions for the distribution of plant and animal species. They also play a role in maintaining biodiversity.
What is water scarcity?
Water scarcity is a situation where the available water is insufficient to meet the needs of the population and industry, as well as to supply ecosystems. This problematic issue is often related to climate change, inefficient use of water resources, population growth and economic development. Because of its importance, water requires sustainable management and protection to ensure its availability for present and future generations.
Consequences of water shortage:
Globally, 785 million people lack access to clean drinking water. Women and children are worst affected - children because they are more vulnerable to diseases of dirty water and women and girls because they often bear the burden of carrying water for their families for an estimated 200 million hours each day. Every day, over 800 children die from dirty water, due to diarrhoea caused by poor water, sanitation and hygiene and scarce or unreliable water and sanitation facilities in many communities around the world.
Johanna, 23, holds her son David, five, so he can wash his face and drink clean water flowing from one of the taps in the Jamastran Valley of Honduras. The water system was built by the community with support from World Vision.
Key facts
1. Four billion people — almost two thirds of the world’s population — experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year.
2. Over two billion people live in countries where water supply is inadequate.
3. Half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025.
4. Some 700 million people could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030.
5. By 2040, roughly 1 in 4 children worldwide will be living in areas of extremely high water stress.
Measures to prevent water shortage:
Virtual water.
Reservoirs
New technologies for salt water desalination and wastewater treatment
Exploit unconventional water sources.
Blend smart water management with climate change policies and others.
More details about water scarcity and measures to prevent it in the next blog.
Sources
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