Water Insecurity Becoming A Global Issue Flashcards
Define water security
Population being able to have sustainable access to adequate quantities of quality water to sustain livelihoods (soc,econ,eviron)
Define water insecurity
Occurs when the economic, social, environmental requirements for water supplies aren’t met
By 2025 1.8 billion will be living in country/regions with absolute water scarcity
By 2050 water demand increase by 55% (UN)
What are the key terms to describe patterns of water availability x4
Renewable water resources
Water stress
Water scarcity
Absolute water scarcity
Define renewable water resources
Long term annual average of in/external renewable water sources
internal- discharge of rivers/aquifers charged by precip
external-generated outside a country, flows from upstream divided by a border
Define water stress
When renewable water resources are between 1,000-1,700m3 per capita per year
Restrictions to manage stress, increasing conflict/tensions
Define water scarcity
When renewable water resources are between 500-1,000m3 per capita per year
Unsatisfied demand, open conflict/tension, over-extraction of groundwater resources
Define absolute water scarcity
When renewable water resource are less than 500m3 per capita per year. Leading to widespread rationing, conflict
Human causes of water insecurity x4
Increase demand- pop growth, urbanisation, industrialisation, consumption created higher demand. Rising standards of living (pools, long showers)
Agriculture- largest use of water, 70% globally 90% developing countries. Caused excessive withdrawals (India). Inefficient irrigation techniques cause depletion of aquifers,river flow
Groundwater- 100 mill + farmers rely on gw
gw provides for 50% of global population 43% irrigation water
Contamination-fertilisers, sewage, industry
estimated that up to 90% of all waste in developing countries is discharged into the water. Meaning people can’t consume
2015 1.35 mill m3 of con water released into Animas River Colorado
Physical causes of water insecurity x2
Natural climate variability- difference between arid/humid climates, wet/dry seasons, change in precip patterns
Climate change- causing increase in variation, more extreme conditions leading to increased risk of scarcity
Saltwater encroachment- movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers due to sea level rise forcing further rainwater to runoff surface, also occurs when precip exceeds infiltration. Threatens farming Bangladesh
Why is water scarcity going to be a problem in the future
Due to the growing demand from secondary industries (electricity/domestic use)
UN projects that 40% global water deficit by 2030 under business as usual scenario.
Predicted 55% in global water demand by 2050
What are the three dimensions of water scarcity (Food/Agriculture organisation)
Availability- physical resources available
Access- failure of institutions/management to ensure a reliable source
Utilisation- inadequate infrastructure due to financial constraints
What does the Water poverty index measure
To indicate levels of water insecurity
Each measure scored out of 20. The higher the score the less water poverty
What are the five measure used in the Water poverty index
Resources- physical availability/quality
Access- accessibility of safe water
Capacity- effectiveness of water management to ensure affordability
Use- use of water for different purposes
Environment- water management strategies to ensure ecological sustainability
Why does water conflict occur
Due to increased competition for freshwater.
Conflicts over inequalities in water usage/allocation
To maintain water/ecosystem sustainability
Maintain economic development
Prevent natural environment becoming marginalised
Define trans-boundary water
Where river/lake crosses 1+ political borders/geographical borders
Approx 40% of world population lives within lake/drainage basin extending into multiple borders.
263 trans-boundary lake/river
