Water Scarcity as a Global Problem - Literature review Example

Running Head: Sustainability Research Issue Facing the World Water Scarcity: A Global Problem Author’s Name: Institution: Water Scarcity: A Global Problem A recent research by the United Nations state that man’s greatest challenge in the 21st Century is neither hunger, epidemic scare or even war; but lack of inadequate fresh water, which has been on the increase in recent times. According to McCarthy (2003), a report from the World water Development suggests that an increase in population growth, climatic changes and pollution have accelerated the drastic waters shortages. Thus, in the coming decades, water supply is likely to be reduced significantly. This is evident with one third of the world’s population experiencing water problems. Currently, around 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water. In addition to this, 2.4 billion people are unable to access proper sanitation. Truthfully speaking, a majority of these individuals are situated in developing countries where poor management of resources is a contributory factor. These figures are thus likely to worsen remorselessly; hence the world community is not fully aware of implications. McCarthy (2003) reiterates that the global water crisis is likely to reach unprecedented heights in the coming years. The growing population per capita in most parts of the developing world will mean that diseases, hunger et cetera, will result to high mortality rates. Alarmingly, the report suggests that in worst cases, no fewer than seven billion individuals situated in close to 60 countries may suffer from water scarcity. In light of this, implementation of the right policies may lower the numbers to around two billion people situated in 48 countries. Surprisingly, the rich Western nations take this rich commodity for granted. This is probably it is the most widely occurring substance which is readily accessible. With respect to water being the most available commodity on earth, only 2.53 of this commodity appears as fresh. The rest is salty. Out of this percentage, two thirds of it is locked up in glaciers and permanently covered in snow covers. The other available means by which it presents itself comes from lakes aquifers, rainfall et cetera and is under pressure from every direction. With the growth in population acting as the main driver, through this come needs such as drinking, washing and the need to get rid of effluence. However, no matter how big the needs are, industries should ensure there is proper water supply from the developed and developing countries, in the agricultural sector through crop irrigation in hot countries. This accounts for 70 percent of the usage of water in the world. Pollution from many quarters has also contributed to the putting water resources in peril well as lives of human beings through exposing them to diseases. Close to two million tons of waste products are dumped in these resources; hence evidence available suggest that a liter of polluted water is sufficient to polluting eight liters of water considered to be fresh. Estimates from reports submitted indicate that there are about 12,000 cubic kilometers of waste water in the world today. This figure is more than that of water contained in the world’s 10 largest river basins at any given time. It is therefore obvious that provided pollution maintains the pace of population growth, the world is likely to lose 18, 000 cubic kilometers in the next two decades or so. Summary of Scientific Implications of Water Scarcity Indeed we are all aware that water is life thus being a crucial substance for the economy. It currently supports all industries from the agricultural sector, manufacturing, electrical tourism et cetera in sustaining business. Despite its scarcity, it is expected to be scarcer in future. Thus, this threat has caused a decrease in water allotments in companies which has created a shift towards full cost water pricing, more stringent water quality regulations, increased public scrutiny of corporate water practices and a growing community opposition. Of late, business implications concerning climate change have gained considerable recognition among companies and investors. However, much focus has been on energy policy and green house gas emissions, while neglecting effects of changing precipitation and weather patterns. This has resulted to water scarcity and water quality risks. Though there has been a growing consensus among experts in the climate field, water is considered as one of the resources that are vulnerable to long-term climate change. Indeed there are documentations of climate-related impacts concerning water resources that are causing imminent business risks. Worldwide, there are observations of physical evidence of increased severe weather events which include diminished ice cover and floods, which are attributed to climatic change. Numerous scientific studies also demonstrate increases in the intensity, duration, and spatial extent of droughts associated with escalating temperature, warmer sea surface temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns and diminishing ice covers. Causes of Water Scarcity around the world The chief cause of water scarcity in the world today is global warming (“Water Shortages, n.d”) . It is estimated that global warming is the single greatest cause of water shortage in the world. With rising average temperatures experienced in mountainous regions, precipitation is altered in view of rainfall and snowfall. This results to more rain and less snow. These drastic changes have resulted to extreme floods witnessed in different parts of the world with more runoff during the rainy period. Around the world, poverty has been a major social issue that has contributed to water scarcity and problems. This has in turn created susceptibility to drought. This has led to exorbitant pricing of water in drought seasons. Water problems and causes occur due to a number of reasons. 1). Increased urbanization and consumption. In recent years, the number of people relocating to towns from rural areas has increased rapidly as argued by Dimick (2011). This means that urban centers will focus on proper sanitation of both domestic and industrial factors. Water has to be used in plenty which at some instance leads to wastage. 2). Resources and Wastage. As discussed above. Water resources are often very scarce, thus, they are wasted more often. Ignorance is also a key factor that leads to wastage of water resources. This means that leakages occurring from public water supplies systems are left to run for days or even weeks without the concerned department caring. This leads to wastage of water by as high as 50%. In addition to this, Agricultural irrigation which accounts for about 60% of water consumed is conducted with no reasoning of water conservation methods. This also contributes to socio-economic issues connected to water problems. 3). Lack of proper Wastewater Treatment Systems. Treatment of water is vital for health and other water related issues that may seem to put eco-systems in peril. In other parts of the world such as the Mediterranean, a whooping 70% of wastewater is released back into the environment without undergoing treatment. This poses great harm to water species and agricultural products. 4). Due to water privatization, Shah (2010) states that companies such as Coca-cola privatize water, thus, the poor are subjected to extreme spending of water consumption with corporations accessing water with ease due to their political influence hence leaving the poor without water resources. This is sometimes achieved through unfair means of water access such as unfair tariffs. 5). other causes of water shortages are not necessarily mean the absence of water. It can be subject to natural disasters such as wildfires which may completely rampage a section which involves extreme use of water which leads to wastage. This also washes toxic substances into rivers, hence polluting the rivers. Considerations of water, a ‘major challenge’ in social, environmental and economic terms Water covers 71% of the Earth's surface. About 97.5% is composed of salty water while the oceans only contribute to 2.5% of freshwater, most of which is locked up in the Antarctic ice sheet. The remaining freshwater is found in glaciers, lakes, rivers, wetlands, the soil, aquifers and atmosphere. Due to the water cycle, fresh water supply is continually replenished by precipitation, however there is still a limited amount necessitating management of this resource. Awareness of the global importance of preserving water for ecosystem services has only recently emerged as, during the 20th century, more than half the world’s wetlands have been lost along with their valuable environmental services. Increasing urbanization pollutes clean water supplies and much of the world still does not have access to clean, safe water. Greater emphasis is now being placed on the improved management of blue (harvestable) and green (soil water available for plant use) water, and this applies at all scales of water management. Ocean circulation patterns have a strong influence on climate and weather and, in turn, the food supply of both humans and other organisms. According to Kerr (2004), Scientists have warned of the possibility, under the influence of climate change, of a sudden alteration in circulation patterns of ocean currents that could drastically alter the climate in some regions of the globe. Ten per cent of the world's population; about 600 million people live in low-lying areas vulnerable to sea level rise. Strategies Adopted to Address Water Shortage Key challenges that face decision-makers is the clear understanding of strategies adopted by farmers and other stakeholders in an effort to address climate change-induced water stress. Small-scale farmers are the most vulnerable to climate change, thus they lack other alternatives other than adapt their livelihood systems to changing climatic conditions. In light of this, Water resources management strategy is thus key to ensuring that agricultural production can withstand the stresses caused by climate change (“Water Resource Management,” N.d). Another key strategy is the smallholder irrigation development. It aims at improving water management and food security. Rain harvesting complements smallholder irrigation, which enhances farmers’ profitability. Measures of addressing water shortages To start, the most efficient and readily available measure to combat water shortage is water conservation. According to Vickers (2002), Water conservation reduces wastage of pure fresh water. Recycling of water also contributes to conservation of water. By ensuring this is done and there is proper management of water services, a large percentage of the world’s population will benefit from clean water. Thus, water shortages can also be controlled by better public and community control of water utilities, checking that old water systems are repaired to avoid leakages, use of less water for irrigation through considering other methods of irrigating farmland and halting pollution will greatly contribute towards the management and conservation of water resources. Companies should consider the availability of water resources as a right rather than a need. Worldwide, companies have privatized the supply of water through officially having water channeled in their favor; hence resulting to lack of clean water resources for the less fortunate. Countries must also concentrate on methods such introducing desalinization of water in schools to find water scarcity solutions (Water Science, 20011). This system is used to filter salty water, which is passed through membranes thus removing constituents through electro dialysis and reverse osmosis. This aids countries produce a significant amount of clean water annually (“Water scarcity, N.d”). This process has made significant improvements leading to the acquiring of the process by many countries around the globe. On the other hand, household use of water is also a likely problem and a solution to this is achievable. Reclamation of water through ensuring proper use of water is also a solution to combat water scarcity. In spite of this, the composition of new multinational treaties aims at specifying the sharing of water resources. Disputes perpetrated by sharing of water have led to violence and international tension which has made other treaties ineffective as explained by Draper (2006). If truth be told, many more solutions to eradicate water scarcity do exist and therefore need to be merged in order to satisfactorily solve water scarcity. Every action towards water conservation methods should be taken seriously, not forgetting that currently, the world is in a total dilemma regarding the presence of inadequate water supply. Thus, experts predict that if water issues continue to progress without prior actions and alterations, the effects may soon be detrimental and out of control. Above all, each individual should take charge of water resources by ensuring proper use of water is practiced. Countries around the world have also considered strategies that will see water management followed to the latter. This will decrease the inappropriate use of water thus improving the lives of many households worldwide. Scientific methods such as cloud seeding have also been used in developed countries as a solution to water problems. This method is limited to developing countries due to inadequate resources. References Dimick, D. 2011. Study: Urbanization Likely to Worsen Water shortages. Study from the earth Notes. Retrieved 14 May, 2011 from http://ddimick.posterous.com/study-urbanization- likely-to-worsen-water-sho Draper,.E.S. 2006. Environmental and Water Resources Institute (U.S.). Laws and Institutions Committee. Sharing Water in Times of Scarcity. American Society of Civil Engineers. P. 19. Kerr, R. A. 2004. “A slowing cog in the North Atlantic Ocean’s climatic machine.” Science 304: 371-372. McCarthy, M. 2003. “Water Scarcity Could Affect Billions: Is this the Biggest Crisis of all? Independent Digital (UK) Ltd. Retrieved 14 May, 2011 from http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0305-05.htm Shah, A. 2010. “Water and Development.” Global Issues. Retrieved 14 May, 2010 from http://www.globalissues.org/article/601/water-and-development Vickers, A. 2002. Water Use and Conservation. Amherst, MA: Water plow press. P. 434. “Water Resource Management.” N.d. Water. The World Bank. Retrieved 14 may, 2011 from http://water.worldbank.org/water/topics/water-resources-management “Water Scarcity: Tomorrows Problem.” N.d. University of Michigan. Retrieved 14 May, 2011 From http://sitemaker.umich.edu/section9group6/solutions “Water science for schools,” 2011. Desalinization is not modern science. Retrieved 14 May, 2011 from http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/drinkseawater.html “Water Shortages.” Web of Creation. 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