Water Scarcity and Diseases- Essay Paper.
Water is a highly essential commodity which is used to sustain life. However, water is scarce, and so it should be used sparingly.Despite water being the largest natural resource on earth, only 3% of it is freshwater (United Nations). Further, only a third of the freshwater is accessible for agriculture and used in the cities. Much of the freshwater remains too deep underground or in the form of glaciers. Water Scarcity and Diseases- Essay Paper.Up to three billion people worldwide already face freshwater shortage due to the rise in the demand for this resource (Sridharan). Presently, aquifers remain the main sources of water for nearly two billion people, a situation that has consequently led to overburdening of the sources for freshwater (Climate Reality Project). Since the decrease in water reserves is likely to threaten ecosystems and the environment, plans should be formulated on ways in which the resources are to be protected.
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The decline in water levels can result in climate change that is likely to make the problem of water scarcity worse. Water affects the hydrological cycle either positively or negatively. A decline in the levels of freshwater implies that there would be less water available to complete the hydrological cycle. Water Scarcity and Diseases- Essay Paper.The resultant effect is a decline in the quantity of rainfall and that of the freshwater levels in the aquifers, in turn. This situation requires the formulation of specific measures and their implementation to protect and conserve freshwater levels. According to climate change specialists, “In the near term, we can prepare by investing in water harvesting and storage infrastructure. Mechanisms, such as the GEF-managed Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Funds can help fill some of these investment gaps (Global Environment Facility).” In my opinion, using water sparingly can help mitigate the undesirable impacts of water shortage on natural processes. Water can also be reused to preserve the natural fresh water levels hence counter disasters such as the outbursts of water-related diseases.
Low water levels can also lead to undesirable economic impacts. Trees, for instance, are highly beneficial to the natural environment: The low water levels may be unable to sustain other tree planting exercises such as agroforestry, which is a significant aspect of the economy. Inadequate rainfall can also result in low product output of farms, which, in turn affects the lives of farmers and the society economically: “Where there isn’t sufficient capacity to meet demands, we will see production decrease, which will directly affect farmers’ income and food security (Global Environment Facility).” Agroforestry, wetland preservation, and Food-Energy-Water Nexus, nonetheless, are some of the policies that could be used to remedy the situation (Global Environment Facility). I think that the planting of trees is highly essential for maintaining water levels on earth. Water Scarcity and Diseases- Essay Paper.Trees have the ability to attract Rainfall through transpiration hence maintaining water levels on the planet.
Water scarcity can also have undesirable consequences on the social lives of the people within a given community. The economic impacts of water inadequacy can socially affect people in society: Humans are forced to modify their way of life to adapt to the negative impact of water scarcity. The society is forced to survive with limited amounts of water, thereby changing the way different water-related activities would have been performed; farming, cooking, and cleaning, for instance, have to be done in moderation.
Critics, however, argue that depleting water resources may not be a much cause of worry given that the hydrological cycle is continuous and overall precipation is constant. They also contend that employment of various water conservation techniques, such as rain water harvesting and artificial ground water recharge can be used to avert the impending crisis. Nevertheless, I think that the present situation is indeed alarming and the society should undertake strict measures to ensure that water is preserved and used in a sustainable way. Water Scarcity and Diseases- Essay Paper.
Water is an essential though a scarce commodity. Decline in water levels results in environmental, social, and economic challenges. These consequences show that water scarcity, like a disease, needs to be cured: Water scarcity challenges should be addressed through sustainability processes.
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Works Cited
Climate Reality Project. “Five Sustainable Cities Making a Difference for the Planet.” Climate Reality, 10 Mar. 2017, www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/five-sustainable-cities-making-difference-planet. Accessed 16 Dec. 2018.
Global Environment Facility. “The Importance of Water Sustainability.” Global Environment Facility, 18 Dec. 2017, www.thegef.org/news/importance-water-sustainability. Accessed 16 Dec. 2018.
Sridharan, Anu. “When Will I Get My Water Next?” TED: Ideas Worth Spreading, www.ted.com/talks/anu_sridharan_when_will_i_get_my_water_next. Accessed 16 Dec. 2018.
United Nations. “Water and Sanitation.” United Nations Sustainable Development, www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/. Accessed 16 Dec. 2018.Water Scarcity and Diseases- Essay Paper.