Human impact – Case study 2- Are we running out of water?

The Planet Earth has a surface that is dominated by water, approximately 70% so why would be running out?

The problem

Although 70% of Earths surface is water only 2.5% of that is not salt water, and two-thirds of that is locked up in the icecaps and glaciers. Of what is left, about 20% is in remote areas, and much of the rest arrives at the wrong time and place, as monsoons and floods. Humans have available less than 0.08% of all the Earth's water. Yet over the next two decades our use is estimated to increase by about 40%.


This issue has to lead to some new discussions presented within the geography field including the term “peak water”. Ultimately, peak water is not about running out of fresh water, but about reaching physical, economic, and environmental limits on meeting human demands for water and the subsequent decline of water availability and use.

It is estimated that if the world continues at the same growth rate 1.8 billion people will be living with absolute “water scarcity” by 2025, and two thirds of the world population could be subject to “water stress”. These two terms refer to the demands of water exceeding available supplies.


Why has this problem occurred?

This has occurred from a combination of factors but the predominant factor has to be the global population boom over the last few decades. As populations grow, so too, do their demands on water. People must be fed, and agriculture must have water to grow crops and livestock. This puts a demand on naturally available water. Humans — via agriculture, industry and other demands - use about half of the world's renewable and accessible fresh water.


What are the consequences?

• Lack of sanitation- Something that is already an issue isn't a lack of water, but a lack of clean water: Millions of people die each year from preventable diseases, after drinking water from an unsanitary source, this could be exacerbated
• Famine- As water stress continues to increase there will be a struggle to continue food production at current rates with agriculture already consuming the majority of fresh water available mainly through irrigation techniques
• Human conflict- It is known through historical records of past wars that water scarcity is a common cause for conflict. This could be a real issue in the future with an ever increasing global population
• Drought- Reduced stream flow, river flow and shrinking lakes could lead to droughts. With many aquifers being over-pumped and are not recharging quickly enough this could be an issue.

Is this really occurring?

With many environmental issues springing up each year it is always important to employ speculation when looking at issues such as water stress/scarcity. From looking at many articles discussing water stress it is most definitely and issue and something that should be monitored. It does appear that this is another issue that may not become a real issue to the public until it has a direct impact on their lives

There are some easy quick fix solutions:

1. Water conservation such as improving irrigation systems to reduce amount of water wasted
2. Improved Water management including the use of technology for efficiency monitoring
3. Improved crop knowledge by using less water intensive crops

What about this for a cool alternative.....


http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/aug/30/firing-laser-beams-atmosphere-rain