Water Insecurity Becoming A Global Issue Flashcards
(28 cards)
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
Trans-boundary water conflict: River Nile case study
Nile flows through 11 countries Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt
Nile water is vital for life as it is located in Sahel region (scarcity). Currently experiencing pressure from population growth/industrial purposes
Egypt depends on Nile for 95% of its water needs. Long history of disagreements from water allocation
1929 agreement (Egypt/UK) granted large water allocation to Sudan/Egypt
1999 Nile Basin Initiative developed permanent legal framework for governing Nile
2011 Grand Renaissance Ethiopian Dam developed strong controversy due to its impacts on tributaries
Grand Renaissance Ethiopian Dam: Case study
Purpose to provide electricity to millions across Africa and fuel economic growth.
A dam in Ethiopia used to measure similar impacts measured:
Devastating to downstream indigenous people
Prevent seasonal flooding (farming techniques)
Tribes people are now armed increasing chances of war/conflict
Threatening fishing industry
People displaced
What are the two approaches to managing water supply
Hard engineering schemes
Sustainable water supply schemes
Why is effective water management important
To minimise the risk of water insecurity and reduce potential conflict
Define Hard engineering schemes
Using artificial structures to increase water supply (mega-dams/desalination plants/water transfer)
Saudi Arabia, China, Ethiopia
Define sustainable water supply schemes
Increase water supply using less controversial schemes/techniques to balance social/econ/environ needs. As it works to restore natural processes
(wetlands,floodplains,forests)
South-North China Water scheme: Case study
N China suffers from water scarcity and desertification while in S there is a surplus in supply. 80% of China’s water is in the S
Largest inter-basin water transfer scheme, capacity to deliver 25 billion m3 of freshwater a year from Yangtze river.
Series of reservoirs, dams, tunnels connected for transportation
Eastern route benefiting 10 million people
Central route diverts 30% of water in Han river
Central route still in planning
Overall benefiting 140 million people, China state success
600 rivers already dried up
Industrial/sewage made into water supply
Salt water encroachment
landslide concerns/seismically active area
Villages displaced
Examples of sustainable water supply schemes
Water supply regulation (drought mitigation) afforestation, wetland restoration, permeable pavements
Water quality regulation- water purification/biological control afforestation, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, constructing wetlands
Moderation of extreme flood events- river regime flood control afforestation, connect rivers to floodplains, establishing flood bypasses, protecting mangroves
Singapore sustainable water scheme: Case study
Singapore: High population density, problems due to lack of land high evap rates. Created diversified water supply local catchment, imported water from Malaysia, recycled water (desalinised)
