Water Scarcity The trumpet of high alert has sounded.
In our world, where water is often taken for granted, an alarming reality has begun to emerge. The trumpet of high alert has sounded, signaling the imminent crisis of water scarcity.
The demand for fresh water continues to rise. The seemingly endless supply of this life-sustaining resource is being stretched to its limits. This urgent issue has caught the attention of governments, scientists, and communities worldwide. They grappled with the profound implications of a world without sufficient water.
In this article, I shall discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this impending crisis.
How water scarcity is reshaping our planet, and the urgent actions needed to secure a sustainable future.
It is forcibly knocking at our doors. Think about it as the most precious resource on the earth's surface is water, after the air. At present, more than 4 billion people are experiencing severe water scarcity in the world.
Table of contents
1. We have to improve the proficiency of water in the agricultural sector.
2. We have to reduce all kinds of food waste as much as possible.
3. We have to change our consumption patterns by using fewer agricultural products that need a lot of water.
4. Look at other industries which are water-intensive, such as the textile and automobile industries. They should pay attention to their wastewater.
5. The technique of harvesting rainwater. This technique was applied centuries ago. Harvesting rainwater also helps to reduce scarcity and ease pressures on groundwater. This is the best way to tackle water scarcity.
6. to encourage water governance. Give first priority to improving water infrastructure. Conservation and efficiency are the key elements of sustainable water management.
2. Because of water scarcity, all water-based systems, such as sewage and sanitation, will fail.
3. Safe drinking water will also become more expensive and scarcer. Fetching water will become more difficult and a burden for everyone. Especially little children and women will face the situation badly.
4. Due to water scarcity, inadequate sanitation will invite diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrheal diseases, contracting diseases and water-borne illnesses.
5. Hunger, Poverty. Water scarcity will directly affect crops and livestock. It leads to food shortages and starvation.
6. Weak and hungry bellies will not accept any education or preaching. Ignorance will be at its peak.
7. Water scarcity will force people to drink unsafe water. So, people will store water at home. It will increase the contamination danger to domestic water. This water storage will attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will spread dengue, malaria, plague, typhus, etc.
8. A scarcity of water will also cause eye diseases like trachoma, an eye infection which leads to blindness.
9. Biodiversity. Water scarcity adversely affects all freshwater resources. It increases salinity, nutrient pollution, and loss of wetlands and floodplains. Depletion of water resources is threatening ecosystems and biodiversity at all levels.
10. Conflicts. In the future, water will become an economic issue at an international level. It could become a cause of tension or conflict within neighbouring countries. It is sad to comment that our neighbours have already created a dispute over river water besides other issues.
The trumpet sounded
The trumpet of high alert has sounded, and it is a call to action for all of us. Water scarcity is not a distant problem that only affects a few regions of the world;
It is a global crisis that demands our immediate attention and collective efforts. The consequences of water scarcity are far-reaching and impact not only the environment but also our economies, health, and overall well-being.
The causes of water scarcity range from climate change, pollution, over-extraction and mismanagement. You have to witness the devastating consequences, droughts, famine, and conflicts over water resources. But amidst the stark reality, there is hope.
2. Conservation efforts, such as improving water-use efficiency in agriculture and implementing water-saving technologies, can go a long way toward ensuring a sustainable future.
3. Investing in infrastructure, water storage facilities and desalination plants, can help alleviate the burden on existing water sources.
4. Furthermore, education and awareness play a crucial role. By fostering a culture of water conservation from an early age, we can instill responsible habits that will carry forward into the future.
Governments, communities, and individuals must come together to prioritize water security by implementing policies that protect and manage our water resources effectively.
The trumpet of high alert is a wake-up call, reminding us that water scarcity is not an abstract concept but a pressing reality. It is a call for us to reassess our relationship with water and take decisive action.
The time to act is now, for the fate of our planet and future generations depends on our response to this critical issue.
Let us heed the call and work collectively to ensure a world where water scarcity is a thing of the past. By valuing, preserving, and managing our water resources sustainably, we can secure a future where every individual has access to this fundamental and precious element of life.
Unfortunately, among the top ten vulnerable countries which are facing severe effects of climate change, Pakistan is one of them.
Writer:Rab Nawaz, MA, B.Ed. Principal Steps school Rawalpindi Pakistan.
Sites/apps consulted for references. Thanks.
1.https://www.reuters.com/world/americas 2.https://www.dw.com/en/water-scarcity-eu-countries
3.https://pakobserver.net/
- What is scarcity?
- What is water scarcity?
- Water scarcity dangers
- Causes of water scarcit
- Steps to tackle water scarcity
- Scarcity will leave effects
- The water crisis in Pakistan
Due to water scarcity, approximately 700 million people could be dispersed in the future. Water scarcity issues have cast a shadow over the welfare of humans. See the below image for a picture of the future.
The water tap is covered by spider webs due to none availability of water. Image credit to Royal Studios & pixabay.com/users/anishroy-6587581/
It is a fact that we are overusing water unattentively and, in many cases, we are wasting it unconsciously. We unattentively ignore leakages in water installations and excessively waste water on cars, vehicles, floors, and for other washing purposes.
The water tap is covered by spider webs due to none availability of water. Image credit to Royal Studios & pixabay.com/users/anishroy-6587581/
It is a fact that we are overusing water unattentively and, in many cases, we are wasting it unconsciously. We unattentively ignore leakages in water installations and excessively waste water on cars, vehicles, floors, and for other washing purposes.
We do not care to close the taps. Leaving the tap open while brushing our teeth wastes about 3 gallons of water per minute. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources has already stated that if current conditions persist, the country will become dry in the near future.
According to an IMF estimate, there were 5100 cubic meters of water available per person in 1951. The ratio fell to 1017 cubic meters per person in 2018.
The research also highlighted the potential risk of a drop of as much as 660 cubic meters in 2025. The minimal
degree of shortage is 1000 cubic meters, so keep that in mind. Even in nations with sufficient water resources,
according to UNICEF, there are times when there is a lack of water. These occurrences are caused by a variety of
variables. Water scarcity has a number of complex causes. These also differ significantly across continents,
subcontinents, countries, and regions.
According to an IMF estimate, there were 5100 cubic meters of water available per person in 1951. The ratio fell to 1017 cubic meters per person in 2018.
The research also highlighted the potential risk of a drop of as much as 660 cubic meters in 2025. The minimal
degree of shortage is 1000 cubic meters, so keep that in mind. Even in nations with sufficient water resources,
according to UNICEF, there are times when there is a lack of water. These occurrences are caused by a variety of
variables. Water scarcity has a number of complex causes. These also differ significantly across continents,
subcontinents, countries, and regions.
WHAT IS SCARCITY?
The state or situation in which something is scarce, short, and not easy to find or get. In other words, when the supply of a resource is unable to meet the demand of the public.
WHAT IS WATER SCARCITY?
The lack of freshwater resources to meet the average demand for water is known as water shortage. Dehydration comes in two forms:1.Actual thirst
2. monetary thirst (Wikipedia .org)
Water scarcity refers to a physical lack or limited supply. The administration's failure to construct enough infrastructure is unable to guarantee a steady supply of water. The fact that water scarcity is severely hurting every nation on earth is quite distressing.
Water scarcity is normal because it was first experienced by humanity. The lack of sufficient water resources to meet demand within an area, state, or nation is known as water scarcity. Water is distributed unevenly over both time and space.
Water scarcity is normal because it was first experienced by humanity. The lack of sufficient water resources to meet demand within an area, state, or nation is known as water scarcity. Water is distributed unevenly over both time and space.
Due to pollution and unsustainable management, a significant amount of water that is available is squandered. Water scarcity is an imbalance between the demand for and supply of water. It is also a matter of great concern that Asian and African countries are facing an acute shortage of safe water.
People are wandering for water. Long queues of women and children can be seen in every village or city. A photo of empty pots and depressed women can be seen below:
Empty utensils and pots show the stage of water scarcity. Image credit to
Maruf Rahman pixabay.com/users/maruf_rahman-19661338
A ‘triangle of thirst’ from southern Spain to Pakistan, to the Horn of Africa and back again has already been indicated by researchers.
Empty utensils and pots show the stage of water scarcity. Image credit to
Maruf Rahman pixabay.com/users/maruf_rahman-19661338
WATER SCARCITY DANGERS
Water Scarcity The trumpet of high alert has sounded.A ‘triangle of thirst’ from southern Spain to Pakistan, to the Horn of Africa and back again has already been indicated by researchers.
The groundwater, streams, and rivers level is decreasing rapidly day by day. Calculations and statistics are very alarming. The situation can be observed through available graphs and tables on google. Showing rapid decrease in water level.
1. A water scarcity warning was issued to Scotland by Jennifer Leonard, Sepa’s senior water and land manager. She warned that "water scarcity is a very real threat as a result of climate change."
2. Due to severe droughts and scarce rainfall in southern European countries, water restrictions have been forced.
3.Now,governments from Portugal to Italy are warning citizens to limit water use to the bare minimum.
4.According to Spain's meteorological bureau, Spain is extremely dry due to droughts and water scarcity. Two-thirds of its total land is at risk of deserti- fication. Fertile soils are rapidly turning to sand.
5. Dams and taps are running dry in northern Mexico. Facing historic water shortages,
6. Water scarcity is rapidly becoming a primary concern for Iranians.
7. Morocco is among the world’s most water-stressed countries.
8. Africa is facing severe water scarcity. The situation is worsening day by day.
9. Water scarcity will also become more common in the northern hemisphere.CAUSES OF WATER SCARCITY.
Water Scarcity The trumpet of high alert has sounded. We use water for drinking, washing, cooking, cleaning, irrigating, power generation, etc.
1. A water scarcity warning was issued to Scotland by Jennifer Leonard, Sepa’s senior water and land manager. She warned that "water scarcity is a very real threat as a result of climate change."
2. Due to severe droughts and scarce rainfall in southern European countries, water restrictions have been forced.
3.Now,governments from Portugal to Italy are warning citizens to limit water use to the bare minimum.
4.According to Spain's meteorological bureau, Spain is extremely dry due to droughts and water scarcity. Two-thirds of its total land is at risk of deserti- fication. Fertile soils are rapidly turning to sand.
5. Dams and taps are running dry in northern Mexico. Facing historic water shortages,
6. Water scarcity is rapidly becoming a primary concern for Iranians.
7. Morocco is among the world’s most water-stressed countries.
8. Africa is facing severe water scarcity. The situation is worsening day by day.
9. Water scarcity will also become more common in the northern hemisphere.CAUSES OF WATER SCARCITY.
Water Scarcity The trumpet of high alert has sounded. We use water for drinking, washing, cooking, cleaning, irrigating, power generation, etc.
Water is an important resource. This precious resource without thinking is excessively wasted by humans due to their carelessness and lack of planning. There are some other unavoidable reasons to highlight:
1st. The rapidly growing human population is the main cause of water stress around the world. In compa-rison, the water supply has remained
the same.
the same.
2nd. The uneven assemblage of the worldwide population.
3rd. Climate change. At present, climate change is very badly affecting the availability of water. It is very painful that humans continuously pump more and more greenhouse gasses and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to damage the "ozone layer".
This process is creating rapid changes in weather and water patterns worldwide.Some parts of the world are facing droughts and some are fighting floods.
These changes are severely affecting the water resources, energy generation, and ecosystems of the whole world.
4th. Migration of humans The large-scale migration of humans to more water-abundant regions is rapidly increasing the scarcity of water.
These changes are severely affecting the water resources, energy generation, and ecosystems of the whole world.
4th. Migration of humans The large-scale migration of humans to more water-abundant regions is rapidly increasing the scarcity of water.
5th. Another factor is water pollution, which comes from many sources, including pesticides and fertilizers that wash away from farms and fields, untreated human wastewater, and industrial waste.
These sources contaminate the water so badly that it is not usable at any level. These elements are polluting safe water resources. The scarcity of water is getting worse as treatment plants are not being established at a respectable level.
6th: Agriculture. Though agriculture is the backbone of every nation and country, agriculture uses 70% of the world’s freshwater. Almost 60% of this is wasted due to negligence, faulty irrigation systems, the cultivation of very thirsty crops, and the inefficiency of applied methods.
7th. Destruction of wetlands. Almost half of the world's wetlands have been destroyed since 1900, and such practice has not been stopped till today. Wetlands are important features that provide numerous beneficial services for people and for other wildlife.
8th. Damaged ecosystem. Natural landscapes are often lost due to water scarcity. This ecological catastrophe has created food shortages. As a result of the damaged ecosystem, the surrounding population is badly facing a hike in infant mortality and a decrease in life expectancy.
8th. Damaged ecosystem. Natural landscapes are often lost due to water scarcity. This ecological catastrophe has created food shortages. As a result of the damaged ecosystem, the surrounding population is badly facing a hike in infant mortality and a decrease in life expectancy.
STEPS TO TACKLE WATER SCARCITY.
Water Scarcity The trumpet of high alert has sounded. Here are some suggestions:1. We have to improve the proficiency of water in the agricultural sector.
2. We have to reduce all kinds of food waste as much as possible.
3. We have to change our consumption patterns by using fewer agricultural products that need a lot of water.
4. Look at other industries which are water-intensive, such as the textile and automobile industries. They should pay attention to their wastewater.
5. The technique of harvesting rainwater. This technique was applied centuries ago. Harvesting rainwater also helps to reduce scarcity and ease pressures on groundwater. This is the best way to tackle water scarcity.
6. to encourage water governance. Give first priority to improving water infrastructure. Conservation and efficiency are the key elements of sustainable water management.
Responsible authorities and administrations should be encouraged to regulate the rules and regulations strictly and sincerely.
7. For agriculture, use recycled or desalinated water. Waters carcity motivates us to use saline, drainage
water, treated wastewater,and desalinated water for agriculture. This process will also help to increase the level of groundwater.
8. The largest consumers of water are the agriculture and farming sectors. These sectors must apply solar desalination and smart irrigation systems for water efficiency and control.
9. Use seawater for sustainable agriculture. There is an abundance of seawater in the world. Especially in arid and dry regions, this water could be used through natural and artificial seawater desalination.
10.WETLAND PRESERVATION
Wetlands are those areas which are covered by water or found either at or near the surface.
The functionality of these lands is like a natural sponge. which helps to release surface water, snowmelt, groundwater, rainwater, and flood waters.
Protecting and preserving wetlands is a task which needs more attention because these are the areas which help to store water, lower flood speeds and reduce land erosion.
11. Discover new water resources. Measurements should be taken to identify and discover new resources of water by using various technologies, like remote sensing, geophysical surveys, and field investigations.
12. Improve the existing water resources. Necessary steps should be taken to restore networks of water distribution and treatment systems to reduce water leakage and contamination. To protect groundwater, promote the reuse of wastewater for agriculture.
13. Use nuclear desalination plants to beat water scarcity.
14. Change public behaviour. To highlight the forthcoming danger of water scarcity, a campaign at the national level should be launched to change behaviour at all levels.
7. For agriculture, use recycled or desalinated water. Waters carcity motivates us to use saline, drainage
water, treated wastewater,and desalinated water for agriculture. This process will also help to increase the level of groundwater.
8. The largest consumers of water are the agriculture and farming sectors. These sectors must apply solar desalination and smart irrigation systems for water efficiency and control.
9. Use seawater for sustainable agriculture. There is an abundance of seawater in the world. Especially in arid and dry regions, this water could be used through natural and artificial seawater desalination.
10.WETLAND PRESERVATION
Wetlands are those areas which are covered by water or found either at or near the surface.
The functionality of these lands is like a natural sponge. which helps to release surface water, snowmelt, groundwater, rainwater, and flood waters.
Protecting and preserving wetlands is a task which needs more attention because these are the areas which help to store water, lower flood speeds and reduce land erosion.
11. Discover new water resources. Measurements should be taken to identify and discover new resources of water by using various technologies, like remote sensing, geophysical surveys, and field investigations.
12. Improve the existing water resources. Necessary steps should be taken to restore networks of water distribution and treatment systems to reduce water leakage and contamination. To protect groundwater, promote the reuse of wastewater for agriculture.
13. Use nuclear desalination plants to beat water scarcity.
14. Change public behaviour. To highlight the forthcoming danger of water scarcity, a campaign at the national level should be launched to change behaviour at all levels.
All available sources, including social media, print media, electronic media, and TV channels, should be used to promote an understanding,of the importance, protection, and value of water.
Besides these steps, a wave of awareness about water scarcity should be launched effectively in schools, madrasas, colleges,universities, and all faculties to change the thoughts and behaviours of people.
Besides these steps, a wave of awareness about water scarcity should be launched effectively in schools, madrasas, colleges,universities, and all faculties to change the thoughts and behaviours of people.
SCARCITY WILL LEAVE EFFECTS
1. Water scarcity restricts the use of safe water for drinking and basic hygiene at home, in schools, colleges, universities, offices, markets, health-care centers, clinics and hospitals, etc.2. Because of water scarcity, all water-based systems, such as sewage and sanitation, will fail.
3. Safe drinking water will also become more expensive and scarcer. Fetching water will become more difficult and a burden for everyone. Especially little children and women will face the situation badly.
4. Due to water scarcity, inadequate sanitation will invite diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrheal diseases, contracting diseases and water-borne illnesses.
5. Hunger, Poverty. Water scarcity will directly affect crops and livestock. It leads to food shortages and starvation.
6. Weak and hungry bellies will not accept any education or preaching. Ignorance will be at its peak.
7. Water scarcity will force people to drink unsafe water. So, people will store water at home. It will increase the contamination danger to domestic water. This water storage will attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will spread dengue, malaria, plague, typhus, etc.
8. A scarcity of water will also cause eye diseases like trachoma, an eye infection which leads to blindness.
9. Biodiversity. Water scarcity adversely affects all freshwater resources. It increases salinity, nutrient pollution, and loss of wetlands and floodplains. Depletion of water resources is threatening ecosystems and biodiversity at all levels.
10. Conflicts. In the future, water will become an economic issue at an international level. It could become a cause of tension or conflict within neighbouring countries. It is sad to comment that our neighbours have already created a dispute over river water besides other issues.
The trumpet sounded
The trumpet of high alert has sounded, and it is a call to action for all of us. Water scarcity is not a distant problem that only affects a few regions of the world;
It is a global crisis that demands our immediate attention and collective efforts. The consequences of water scarcity are far-reaching and impact not only the environment but also our economies, health, and overall well-being.
The causes of water scarcity range from climate change, pollution, over-extraction and mismanagement. You have to witness the devastating consequences, droughts, famine, and conflicts over water resources. But amidst the stark reality, there is hope.
More efforts to tackle water scarcity
1. Through innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices, we can mitigate the effects of water scarcity.2. Conservation efforts, such as improving water-use efficiency in agriculture and implementing water-saving technologies, can go a long way toward ensuring a sustainable future.
3. Investing in infrastructure, water storage facilities and desalination plants, can help alleviate the burden on existing water sources.
4. Furthermore, education and awareness play a crucial role. By fostering a culture of water conservation from an early age, we can instill responsible habits that will carry forward into the future.
Governments, communities, and individuals must come together to prioritize water security by implementing policies that protect and manage our water resources effectively.
The trumpet of high alert is a wake-up call, reminding us that water scarcity is not an abstract concept but a pressing reality. It is a call for us to reassess our relationship with water and take decisive action.
The time to act is now, for the fate of our planet and future generations depends on our response to this critical issue.
Let us heed the call and work collectively to ensure a world where water scarcity is a thing of the past. By valuing, preserving, and managing our water resources sustainably, we can secure a future where every individual has access to this fundamental and precious element of life.
A WATER CRISIS IN PAKISTAN.
Water Scarcity The trumpet of high alert has sounded.Unfortunately, among the top ten vulnerable countries which are facing severe effects of climate change, Pakistan is one of them.
The current hike in heat waves is obvious proof of such a situation. Water scarcity is another gift of climate change. A recent report by the International Monetary Fund about water shortages states that Pakistan ranks third in the world.
On the list of nations experiencing a water crisis, Pakistan comes in at number seven. There are 153 MAFs of surface water in Pakistan now. Only 24 MAF of subsurface water is available. Pakistan can experience a 33 MAF water deficit in the future.
On the list of nations experiencing a water crisis, Pakistan comes in at number seven. There are 153 MAFs of surface water in Pakistan now. Only 24 MAF of subsurface water is available. Pakistan can experience a 33 MAF water deficit in the future.
Pakistan reportedly reached "water scarcity" in 2005, according to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). The fact that a significant amount of water is being dumped into the Arabian Sea is really terrible.
It is taking place as a result of the lack of attention and effort given to the building of new water reservoirs like the KALABAGH DAM. A poor nation with a limited supply of water could not afford to recklessly pour water into the ocean.
CONCLUSION:
The water scarcity we are facing is because of climate change. It is a clear fact, but there is also a lack of water management by humans. Loyal and sincere people from advanced countries all over the world had already prepared water reservoirs.
Whereas today we are seeing bad water management. So, climate change should not be taken as a scapegoat for human error. We should convince the key stakeholders at national and sub-national levels to understand water scarcity.
Promulgate rules and regulations, as well as terms and conditions for using water during a crisis. It should be reflected in national planning considerations. We must think about it, otherwise, it will become unmanageable and "we need water to live."
Do not forget Allah Ta'ala. Pray to Allah. Ask for forgiveness. All will be well because Allah is Most Merciful and Beneficent.
Writer:Rab Nawaz, MA, B.Ed. Principal Steps school Rawalpindi Pakistan.
Sites/apps consulted for references. Thanks.
1.https://www.reuters.com/world/americas 2.https://www.dw.com/en/water-scarcity-eu-countries
3.https://pakobserver.net/
4. https://www.scotsman.com/news
5. https://www.chathamhouse.org/ 6.https://solarimpulse.com/water-scarcity-solutions
7. https://agrihunt.com/articles/
8. https://earth.org
9. https://www.graana.com/blog/the-issue-of-water-scarcity-in-pakistan)
10.https://byjus.com/chemistry/scarcity-of-water
11.https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity
12.https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity 13.https://www.sciencedirect.com/
5. https://www.chathamhouse.org/ 6.https://solarimpulse.com/water-scarcity-solutions
7. https://agrihunt.com/articles/
8. https://earth.org
9. https://www.graana.com/blog/the-issue-of-water-scarcity-in-pakistan)
10.https://byjus.com/chemistry/scarcity-of-water
11.https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity
12.https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity 13.https://www.sciencedirect.com/
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