Unit 4.2 Access to Freshwater

Question 1

Freshwater availability

Answer 1

The supplies of freshwater resources are inequitably available and unevenly distributed, which can lead to conflict and concerns over water security

Question 2

Needs of water

Answer 2

1. Home use (drinking, washing, and cooking)
2. Agriculture (irrigation and livestock)
3. Industry (manufacturing and mining)
4. Hydroelectric power

Given the scarcity of freshwater resources, the pressure put on them is great and likely to increase in the future in certain parts of the world.

Question 3

Freshwater distrubution

Answer 3

About three quarters of annual rainfall occurs in areas containing less than a third of the world’s population, whereas two-thirds of the world’s population live in the areas receiving only a quarter of the world’s annual rainfall

Question 4

Future of freshwater

Answer 4

The availability is likely to become more stressed in the future. This may be results , in part, of climate change, where rising temperatures lead to melting glaciers and increased evaporation. Unequal access to water may cause a conflict between those who have an abundance of water and those who do not.

Question 5

CASE STUDY: how shared freshwater resources have given rise to international conflict

Answer 5

River ganges flows 2500km through India stretching in Bangladesh

1974 inaguration of the Farakka Barrage to divert water to Hooghly river prventing sikning of Kolkata’s port

Both nations depend on river for agriculture, drinking water and enviormental health

Upstream activities from India are affecting downstream, Bangladesh

NEED FOR COOPERATIVE WATER MANAGEMENT