Taking water for granted

Indian labourers transport canisters of drinking water to distribute to food stalls in Agartala on March 21, 2017, on the eve of World Water Day. (Photo by AFP)

Water. We use it every day; it is readily available. With some exceptions and depending on where in the world you live, there is no restriction on how much of it you can use. But time is running out, and fast, unless we think of a solution.

The crisis: a result of over-consumption, wasteful use and poor management. In this first part of a 2 part series, we delve into the world of water, and examine what problems we face, how we can resolve them, and how water creates a socio, politico and economic conundrum for the world we live in.

Water security is not just about conflict. There are many factors affecting water that simply boggles the mind: from over consumption, to water waste, to the corporate takeover of water which we will get into a bit later in the program, but first the stats. According to National Geographic, in 2025, an estimated 1.8 Billion people will live in areas plagued by water scarcity, with two thirds of the world population living in water stressed regions. 

Water demand: that is also an issue that has contributed to the water crisis. Imagine the demand rising 5% each year: yes: that is the case.The demand will rise by up to 55% by the year 2050, including a 400% increase in the use of water for industry. This worrying factor is contributed to by the increasing world population, the need to feed more people, and of course, the need to supply the demand for produce, on which nearly every industry on earth relies on water in some form or another.

We have covered some basic facts about the water crisis, but there is a large disparity when it comes to individual use of water which has led to inequality not to mention injustice, and that is glaringly true in some parts of the world. As a matter of fact: the figure for per human use is what's at the root of the water crisis.An American resident uses 100 gallons of water per day. In Europe, that number is 50 gallons per day. And notice in Africa: 2 - gallons per day: Pretty clear where the abuse or overconsumption is taking place.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku