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Environmental impacts: Water scarcity

We explain why the blue planet lacks water.

Water is fine. Water is a necessity for all life on Earth. Some even predicted to be the new oil. But why isn't there enough for everyone? Even though our blue planet consists of 70% water, we can only use an extremely small part of it as drinking water. 97% of all water is salty and 2% is frozen. The remaining 1% could still be sufficient for everyone but unfortunately its distribution is pretty unfair.

Today more than 700 million people have no access to clean water, like Asha, who has to walk for miles to collect it and carry it at home. Well, Tim, in another part of the world, simply turns on the tap. He uses more than 100 litres per day.

What's behind this injustice? In agriculture ground water and water from marshlands is used to irrigate the fields. In countries where there's a dry and hot climate, this is especially problematic: once pumped out of the ground, the water doesn't come back. On top, climate change and pollution make matters worse. The local population must live on dried out land. And as the world's population grows, the demand for water is growing too. The UN estimates that in 2025 demand will be up to 40% higher than it is today. This bears the potential for conflicts about the use of water resources.

Governments and societies need to change their attitudes towards water. Water systems infraestructure and technology must be upgraded and new frameworks for intelligent water resource management and conservation have to be forged. Because there is no life without water.

Clilstore Gap fill_Video: Water scarcityCrossword_Video: T-shirtTo learn moreSustainable Development GoalsWorld Wild Life_Water scarcity

Short url:   https://clilstore.eu/cs/4024