Water and Energy Flashcards
What is water security?
Water security refers to having reliable access to sufficient, safe, and clean water
How does water scarcity contribute to water insecurity?
Water scarcity occurs when demand exceeds supply, often due to overuse, climate change, or drought, leading to water insecurity in affected regions.
What is water insecurity?
Water insecurity occurs when there is not enough clean, accessible water to meet the needs of a population
How does pollution affect water security?
Pollution from industrial waste, agriculture, and untreated sewage can contaminate water sources, reducing access to safe drinking water and affecting health.
How does climate change impact water security?
Climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns, with areas experiencing more frequent droughts or intense rainfall, disrupting water availability.
How does population growth affect water security?
Increasing populations raise the demand for water, putting pressure on existing resources and infrastructure, leading to water shortages.
How do geographical factors influence water security?
Regions with limited freshwater sources or uneven rainfall distribution face greater challenges in ensuring water security.
Why is water demand rising globally?
Water demand is increasing due to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and changing dietary habits, particularly in developing countries.
How do changing diets contribute to higher water demand?
As people consume more water-intensive foods (e.g., meat and dairy), water usage increases for agriculture and food production.
How does industrialization drive up water demand?
Industrial activities require large amounts of water for manufacturing, energy production, and cooling processes, contributing to higher overall demand.
Why is agriculture a major driver of rising water demand?
Agriculture uses about 70% of global freshwater for irrigation, and as food production grows to meet the needs of a larger population, so does water use.
What are the health impacts of water insecurity?
Water insecurity can lead to dehydration, poor sanitation, and the spread of waterborne diseases
How does water insecurity affect economic development?
Water shortages can slow industrial production, reduce agricultural output, and hinder economic growth, particularly in water-dependent sectors.
How do dams increase water supply?
Dams store water in reservoirs, allowing for controlled release during dry periods, providing a reliable water source for drinking, irrigation, and energy production.
What is the role of reservoirs in managing water supply?
Reservoirs, created by dams, store large amounts of water, which can be used during times of drought, ensuring a steady supply for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.
What is water transfer?
Water transfer involves moving water from areas of surplus to areas facing water shortages, typically through pipelines, canals, or aqueducts.
What are the environmental impacts of building dams?
While dams increase water supply, they can disrupt ecosystems, displace communities, and reduce the flow of water downstream, affecting biodiversity.
How do dams and reservoirs support hydroelectric power generation?
Dams store water that can be released to generate hydroelectric power, providing renewable energy, but also creating potential conflicts over water use.
How does water transfer help increase water supply?
By diverting water from regions with abundant rainfall to areas experiencing water scarcity, water transfer can ensure more consistent access to water across different regions.
What are the challenges associated with water transfer?
Water transfer can be expensive, involve long-distance infrastructure, and cause environmental impacts such as disrupting natural watercourses or ecosystems.
What is desalination?
Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to make it safe for drinking and irrigation.
How does desalination increase water supply?
Desalination provides a source of fresh water by converting seawater into potable water, especially useful in coastal regions with limited freshwater resources.
What are the advantages of desalination?
Desalination offers a virtually unlimited supply of water, particularly for water-scarce regions, and can be an important backup during droughts or reduced freshwater availability.
What are the disadvantages of desalination?
Desalination is energy-intensive and expensive, making it less feasible for many countries. Additionally, it can have environmental impacts, such as discharging brine back into the ocean.
How does Kielder Water contribute to water supply?
It stores water and supplies it for domestic use, agriculture, and industry, especially during times of drought or low rainfall.
Why do high-income countries (HICs) consume more energy?
HICs consume more energy because of industrialisation, higher living standards, more transport use, and greater reliance on technology.
How does climate influence energy consumption?
Cold climates require more energy for heating, while hot climates require energy for air conditioning, increasing overall demand.
What are the main energy sources used globally?
The main energy sources are fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), nuclear power, and renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric).
Why is energy production unevenly distributed across the world?
It depends on access to resources, such as coal, oil, and gas, as well as a country’s ability to develop renewable energy infrastructure.
How do physical factors affect energy production?
Physical factors like geology (coal, oil reserves), climate (solar/wind energy), and topography (hydroelectric power) determine energy production.
What happens if a country’s energy consumption is higher than its production?
The country becomes energy insecure and must import energy, making it vulnerable to price changes and supply disruptions.
