Global Water Crisis - Research Paper Example

Global Water Crisis- A case of Iran With the current rate of global warming, water scarcity is a growing concern with many people of the world having no sufficient supply of water. Major variations have been experienced in climatic sector an aspect that has resulted to this condition. Increasing population and different use of water has by the industries has put this precious commodity under high demand. Water is a critical resource which cannot be even compared with other energy sources such as oil. For the current population to be food sufficient, water has to be used. In addition, water is used in making silicon chips, which assist in powering computers as well as cell phones. Water is also important in the provision of hydroelectric power. Global bodies have tried to convince people to minimize on water wastage in order to secure water for the next generation but, this has turned to be unsuccessful. As a result, statistics indicates that in two decades to come, the world will be experiencing a high shortage of water an aspect that might be a threat to human population (Gary, 2012). Each economy in the world is dependent on water for survival. However, for all its significance, few firms as well as investors think strategically concerning the intense commercial risks, which will prevail in a globe where climate transformation is possibly to intensify already decreasing water supplies. The scarcity of water is increasing worldwide and it is clear that it will decline more in the future. Businesses as well as investors who have always had taken clean, reliable, and cheap water for granted, are significantly affected by the declining accessibility, diminishing quality, as well as, the increasing demand for water. These issues are currently leading to reduction in firm’s water allocations, shifts toward full-cost pricing, more strict water quality controls, increasing community resistance, as well as civic examination of corporate water practices. Despite Iran having varying climatic conditions, the country has been experiencing a high water shortage with only few households connected to a reliable source of water. Iran experiences arid as well as semi-arid weather conditions thereby exposing the country to extreme water shortage. Currently, this issue has become more evident because of the recent droughts experienced in particular parts of the nation. Government and other stakeholders are doing very little to reverse the condition which instead of water supply increasing, it is decreasing at an alarming rate. This condition is a threat to the peace being experienced in the region. The nation is almost facing water stress and it is postulated that with the present rate of population growth the country is unable to supply the required water quantities in the cities and suburbs. This problem is being associated with mismanagement of existing water resources, growth of the population, as well as, transforming weather patterns. The situation may emerge disastrous in future years in case rapid mitigation measures are ignored. According to Amiri and Eslamian (2010), Iran has suffered serious desiccation in the last three years. This lack of rainfall has caused extensive losses. The postulated increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide will cause considerable transformations in water reserves, demands of energy, agricultural yields, as well as, coastal zones. Conflicts between Iran and Afghanistan concerning the utilization of Helmand River has aggravated the condition with the government concentrating much on the river rather than developing other water resources that the country has. The problem was regarded dual back then, i.e., that of border demarcation as well as the particular shares of the two nations in the Helmand waters. Presently, the issue of trans-boundary water management worsens under the otherwise cordial affiliation amid Iran and Afghanistan. Other shared water resources such as Harirod-Murghab basin are leading to enmity between the two regions. The livelihoods inhabiting the two basins are currently at stake as well as the environmental integrity of the area, particularly the volatile Sistan wetlands. In addition, according to retired UN secretary general, the country might experience ethnic clashes if the condition is not reversed. Also, the increasing tension amid Iran and Afghanistan concerning the running of the shared water reserves is because of numerous issues. According to Gary (2012), the provisions by the treaty in charge of controlling the use of the Helmand River are insufficient as well as inconsistently enforced. The mounting social as well as environmental stress on the Sistan wetland is a threat to the already shaky ecosystem and forms the potential for an artificial ecological calamity. The erection of power dams will persist to exacerbate downstream Iran, as Afghanistan grows and increases its demand for energy consumption. These frictions are not possibly to solve in absence of concerted as well as proactive cooperation amid the nations. In order for this conflict to stop government has to intervene and come up with policies that will enable the country make use of its water resources (Palmer-Moloney, 2011). In addition, the government needs to allow both private and non-governmental organization to help in reversing the worsening conditions. In conclusion, with the current global concern on increasing water shortage, it is the high time that all world governing bodies and other groups join together in order to reverse the rooming crisis. The threatening calamity is being blamed on numerous reasons, which include growth in population, transforming weather patterns, as well as the mismanagement of existing water reserves. Iran’s reserves management is encountering many succeeding difficulties, such as increasing demand for the commodity with appropriate value, a significant augment in the expenditure of distributing extra water, conflicts, and uncontrolled exploitation among others. The government is thus working hard towards ensuring water sufficiency. It is also important to note that Iran is just a single case that has been analyzed but the fact is each of the country in the world is struggling to keep up with increasing demand for water therefore a quick decision has to be made. References Ardakanian, R. (2003). An overview of water management in Iran. Tajikistan: Dushanbe International Fresh water forum Amiri, M.J., & Eslamian, S.S. (2010). Investigation of climate in Iran. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 3(4), 208-216 BBC News (22 March 2002). UN warns of looming water crisis. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1887451.stm Gary, K. (2012). The Politics of Water Security between Afghanistan and Iran. Retrieved from http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publications/food-and-water-crises/416-the-politics-of-water-security-between-afghanistan-and-iran.html   Larijani, K. (2005). Iran’s water crisis: inducers, challenges, and counter-measures. Retrieved from http://www.feweb.vu.nl/ersa2005/final_papers/563.pdf Palmer-Moloney, L. (2011).Water’s role in measuring security and stability in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. International Water Resources Association Read More