Inefficient water management, excessive use and climate change are contributing to increasing droughts and water shortages globally. These issues not only threaten public health but also lead to food insecurity and conflicts over water, highlighting the urgency of protecting and sustainably managing water resources.
Droughts, increasing demand and water pollution are main causes of water shortage.
Droughts, intensified by climate change, are a major factor in water scarcity. Rising global temperatures disrupt rainfall patterns, increase evaporation rates, and lead to severe heat waves that exacerbate drought conditions. According to the 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, groundwater, which supplies 36% of the world’s domestic water, is highly vulnerable to climate change. For example, the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers in China are experiencing reduced water flow due to glacial melt caused by global warming.
The world’s population is approaching eight billion, driving up water demand, particularly in urban areas with limited water supplies. Cape Town, South Africa, nearly ran out of drinking water in 2018 due to a combination of severe drought, poor management, and overconsumption. Similarly, China faces significant water scarcity, with its renewable water resources per capita far below the global average.
Pollution also further reduces the availability of safe freshwater. Contaminated water from untreated wastewater and agricultural runoff diminishes the already limited supply of drinkable water. With less than 1% of the Earth’s freshwater accessible, pollution poses a severe threat to both human health and the environment.
Food insecurity and increased human conflicts are notably key impacts of water shortage.
Water is crucial for food production, with about 70% of freshwater used in agriculture. Severe droughts, such as those in the Horn of Africa, have devastated crops and livestock, leading to food shortages and high malnutrition rates. The UN has warned that worsening conditions could lead to a humanitarian crisis.
Water scarcity often leads to conflicts over access to water resources. In India, local disputes over water usage have escalated, and the country has ongoing water-related tensions with Pakistan. Similarly, Egypt’s water supply is threatened by Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile, which could lead to potential military conflict.
Addressing water shortages requires global cooperation to mitigate climate change, improve water management, and reduce pollution. Adopting sustainable practices and policies is essential to ensure the availability of this vital resource for future generations.
Let Clothes Live Long 