5. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?
(Answer in 150 words) 10
Freshwater is one of the Earth's most precious resources, vital for the sustenance of life and essential for
various human activities, from agriculture and industry to domestic use. However, the world is
currently facing a crisis of availability and access to freshwater resources. This crisis is characterized
by a dwindling supply of freshwater in many regions, unequal distribution, pollution, climate change
impacts, and inadequate infrastructure for access.
According to the United Nations, only about 2.5% of the world's water is freshwater, with the majority
of it locked in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving only about 0.3% readily accessible for human use.
Reasons for CRISIS OF AVAILABILITY:
1. Population Pressure: The relentless growth of the global population, projected to reach
between 9.4 and 10.2 billion by 2050, signifies a significant driver behind the crisis of freshwater
availability. This exponential increase in human numbers exerts immense pressure on already
strained water resources. It is expected to result in a 22% to 34% rise in the world's population,
leading to a commensurate surge in water demand.
2. Uneven Distribution: The problem of water scarcity is far from evenly distributed across the
globe. Currently, approximately 47% to 52% of the world's population lives in areas that face
water scarcity for at least one month each year. By 2050, this figure is projected to escalate to a
staggering 57%. This uneven distribution further exacerbates the global crisis, with some regions
grappling with chronic shortages while others enjoy relative abundance.
3. Climate Change Impact: The adverse effects of climate change, including altered precipitation
patterns and rising temperatures, are already intensifying water scarcity. Prolonged droughts and
more frequent, severe floods are becoming commonplace, disrupting both surface and
groundwater availability. Regions like California in the United States and parts of Australia are
witnessing firsthand the consequences of climate-induced water scarcity.
4. Water Pollution: Industrial runoff, agricultural pesticides, and untreated sewage discharge
contribute significantly to water pollution. This pollution not only degrades water quality but also
renders vast water sources unusable. Waterborne diseases and ecological damage result from this
contamination, leading to substantial economic losses associated with healthcare and ecosystem
restoration.
5. Agricultural Over-Extraction: Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater resources,
accounting for roughly 70% of total usage. Inefficient irrigation practices, such as flood irrigation,
contribute to excessive groundwater withdrawal. In India's Punjab region, for instance, the
over-extraction of groundwater has led to alarming levels of depletion, jeopardizing long-term
agricultural sustainability.
6. Inadequate Infrastructure: In many developing countries, inadequate infrastructure hampers
the delivery of clean water to communities. Poor water supply and sanitation systems leave
billions of people without access to clean water, exacerbating the crisis. Without proper
infrastructure, water cannot be efficiently sourced, treated, and distributed.
7. Transboundary Water Conflicts: Conflicts over shared water resources are prevalent and
hinder equitable access. Disputes like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam standoff
between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt exemplify the geopolitical tensions arising from
transboundary water issues. These conflicts impede cooperation and exacerbate water stress.
8. Economic Impact: Water scarcity has far-reaching economic consequences. Reduced
agricultural productivity due to water shortages affects food production and prices. Additionally,
increased healthcare costs associated with waterborne diseases and the expense of water
treatment and purification weigh heavily on economies.
9. Ecosystem Degradation: Depletion of freshwater resources harms ecosystems, causing a
decline in biodiversity. Aquatic habitats and species are particularly vulnerable to water scarcity,
disrupting delicate ecological balances.
Reasons of CRISIS OF ACCESS:
1. Urbanization Challenges: Rapid urbanization is a global trend, with more people moving to
cities. This urban shift significantly increases water demand in urban areas, straining existing
water resources and infrastructure.
2. Rural Disparities: Access to clean water remains a significant challenge in rural areas, where
infrastructure development often lags. This lack of access has far-reaching consequences,
affecting agriculture, public health, and overall quality of life.
3. Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate infrastructure, including the absence of proper water supply
and sanitation systems, restricts access to clean water in many areas. Investment in infrastructure
development is crucial to bridge these gaps.
4. Mismanagement of water resources: abundent natural freshwater resources like lakes,
rivers etc are not utilised in a scientific manner leading to lack of access of fresh water. eg. Africa
and South American regions have one of the biggest and largest river systems face acute crisis of
access of water due to mismanagement of water resources.
Value addition - WAY FORWARD:
1. Promote Rainwater Harvesting: Encourage rainwater harvesting at the household and
community levels, as demonstrated in India's "Jal Shakti Abhiyan," which revitalizes
water-stressed regions.
2. Promoting Water-Efficient Agriculture: Encouraging farmers to adopt water-efficient
practices like drip irrigation, as seen in Israel, can significantly reduce agricultural water use.
3. Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions: Restore and protect ecosystems, like the "Sponge City"
initiative in China, which aims to absorb rainwater through green infrastructure.
4. Revive Traditional Water Systems: Restore and maintain traditional water structures like
stepwells, as demonstrated in Rajasthan's "Johad" revival movement.
5. Foster Water-Smart Agriculture: Encourage crop diversification and efficient water use in
agriculture, taking inspiration from Punjab's "Crop Diversification Program."
6. Promote Water Education: Integrate water education into school curricula, drawing lessons
from India's "Water School" program in Maharashtra.
7. Facilitate Cross-Border Water Cooperation: Collaborate on transboundary water
management, as India does with the Indus Water Treaty, setting an example for peaceful
water-sharing agreements.
Conclusion: Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) seeks to ensure access to clean water and
sanitation for all by 2030. Achieving this goal requires concerted efforts at the local, national, and
international levels.
