The United Nations (UN) estimates that half of the world's population might live in areas of water scarcity as early as 2025. From Bengaluru (Bangalore) to Mexico, Asia to America, everywhere this year, we can see how people are suffering from severe water crises. This poses the question, "Is the World Marching Towards an Imminent Water Crisis?". It is worth remembering that only 3% of the water on planet Earth is fresh water. For the existence of mankind, water is a crucial resource.
Also, the UN theme for World Water Day 2024 is "Water for Peace." The focus is on the important role water plays in the world's stability and prosperity. However, we need to get the present status of the water crisis across to find a solution.
5 Key Facts About the Water Crisis
- It is estimated that, due to the water scarcity problem, around 700 million people could be displaced by 2030.
- By 2040, nearly 1 in 4 children across the world will be living in areas of extremely high water scarcity.
- Poor sanitation is a big problem for 2.4 billion people. They can get sick from diseases like cholera and typhoid fever because of dirty water. Every year, about two million people, mostly kids, die from diarrhoea.
- 2.2 billion people don't have safe drinking water, and it's causing big problems for them and society.
- Over 3 billion people around the world rely on water that goes through different countries. But, out of 153 countries that share rivers, lakes, and underground water sources with their neighbours, only 24 countries have agreements to work together on all the water they share.
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human displacement
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Population Displacement and Human Survival
Two different places, Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Mexico, were in the news headlines for the year 2024 for the same reason: water scarcity. These two cities depend on water reservoirs like lakes, ponds, and aquifers; compared to "underground rivers or lakes," they are layers of porous rock filled with water to meet the drinking water needs of the people.
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Aquifer
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Due to deficient rains and prolonged drought seasons, these water sources get depleted. Moreover, as these cities are concrete jungles, they don't aid in the efficient recharge of groundwater whenever it rains.
Climate change is also a factor behind droughts and floods. The destruction of trees for human settlement has led to less green cover, less rain, and more droughts. Trees, through transpiration, help in the formation of clouds and eventually rain. Bengaluru (Bangalore) saw a reduction of 500 hectares of forest land due to rampant urbanization. On the other hand, Mexico faces a water crisis because of the intertwining factors of geography, rapid expansion, and inadequate infrastructure exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.
Due to the ongoing water crisis, working professionals in Bengaluru (Bangalore) opted to work from home and go back to their villages. The survival of a Bangalorean is tough today because of water scarcity. Mexico is facing no different situation either.
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water scarcity
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How can water conservation happen in cities?
Using rainwater harvesting and recharging groundwater is among the easiest and most effective ways to conserve water worldwide. This approach can replace traditional water sources that are running low and becoming less reliable.
Rainwater harvesting is a simple way to save rain for later use. It works by collecting rain using special systems like roofs or paved areas. The gathered rainwater can then be stored and used in different ways, like for drinking or watering plants. This method is clean, cheap, and doesn't need much maintenance.
With groundwater decreasing and the weather changing, collecting rainwater can help solve water problems. It refills underground water, stops cities from flooding, and makes sure there's enough water in places where it's scarce.
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rain water harvesting
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We shouldn't expect quick results but should follow an organized approach to recharge groundwater and save mankind.