Water Crisis In The Current Century - Holistic Approaches To Tackle The Problem
TerraGreen|November 2019
Freshwater is finite and vulnerable natural resource on which all social and economic activities are highly dependent. In the 21st century, the global demand for freshwater will grow tremendously while the quality of supplies will continue to deteriorate worldwide. However, the quantity of freshwater is limited. The growth in world population, increasing demand for a higher living standard, and ongoing development are the main reasons for this rise in demand. The demand for healthy drinking water, for sanitation, and for agriculture and industrial production will increase as a result. The demand for water for food production will also increase sharply. In this article, Dr Anil Pratap Singh has made an attempt to examine the water problem from global perspective and has suggested strategies for sustainable use of water.
Water Crisis In The Current Century - Holistic Approaches To Tackle The Problem

Without water, life on the Earth would not be possible. The Earth is abundantly supplied with water and yet there is a shortage of freshwater. Apparently, 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with oceans and these contain 97.5 percent of the total water available on theEarth. However, it is unfit for human consumption and other uses because of its high salt content. Of the remaining, only 2.5 percent of the water supply on the Earth is freshwater. This freshwater is contained in rivers, lakes, and streams, in the polar ice caps or in glaciers high in the mountains. There is also plenty of water available in the groundwater reserves. The shortage of freshwater is threatening the functions of ecosystem and socioeconomic development. The freshwater is unevenly distributed over the Earth’s surface. The majority of countries with limited renewable water supplies are in the middle East, North America, Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. But in all parts of the world, the availability of fresh water is declining at very rapid rate.

According to one of the reports as published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), there was a mention that the humanity’s use of freshwater soared six-fold over the last century and continues to rise. Demand is expected to increase by over a third over the next 25 years and to almost double for drinking water. And yet it is getting scarcer. Already one-third of the world’s people live in countries where water is in short supply; by 2025 two-thirds of them will do so.

This story is from the November 2019 edition of TerraGreen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2019 edition of TerraGreen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TERRAGREENView All
Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India
TerraGreen

Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India

The young population in India presents both opportunities and challenges, as the workforce needs practical skills that conventional education often lacks. Vocational education and training VET) is essential to provide job-specific expertise, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands. In this article, Amarpreet Kaur and Vidhi Rani highlight that vocational education and training serve as a cornerstone in India’s efforts to propel economic growth and empower its burgeoning workforce. Vocational education and training are a fundamental component of modern education systems, addressing a pressing need in society. The alignment of VET with the G20 objectives emphasizes its crucial role in inclusive growth, employment, and human capital development.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future
TerraGreen

Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future

\"If you really, truly are into sustainability, you cannot operate in isolation. You need to be transparent.\" -Khayal Garg, Green Warrior

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2024
Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources
TerraGreen

Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources

In this article, Vijeta Thakur and Dr S K Bhardwaj discuss innovative technologies for water conservation along with urban water management solutions. They also explore policy and governance approaches regarding water conservation. Implementing Integrated Water Resource Management IWRM) helps coordinate the management of water resources across different sectors and stakeholders, balancing competing demands and ensuring sustainable use. Developing transparent and equitable water allocation systems, coupled with appropriate pricing mechanisms that reflect the true value of water, can incentivize conservation and efficient use while ensuring access for all.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose
TerraGreen

Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose

The world may have been having an irate look towards China, cursing her for COVID-19 virus, assertions in South China Sea, and her alleged expansionist policies and so on. Whether she really deserves these insinuations may be a matter of academic discussions; there however, is no denying to the fact that the old Dragon has bestowed the world with things beautiful enough to capture anybody's attention

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird
TerraGreen

The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird

In this article, Dr Surya Prakash tells us about the bristled grassbird, known scientifically as Chaetornis striatus. Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the bristled grassbird finds itself perilously perched on the brink of endangerment, classified as a‘Vulnerable Species’ by the IUCN since 2010. The relentless decline in its population can be attributed primarily to habitat loss. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step
TerraGreen

Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step

With the introduction of the Disclosure Framework on Climate-related Financial Risks 2024)’ by RBI, it is quite apparent that the banking sector is continuously striving towards sustainability and climate sensitization. The new framework evolves the narrative, acknowledging the inevitability of climate change affecting these entities and, consequently, the broader financial stability. The framework not only acts as a means to inform the various stakeholders about climate-related issues but also to develop a narrative of financial resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges related to climate risks. Naman Mishra and Dr Megha Jain say that the framework is built upon four main pillars—Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics Targets. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality
TerraGreen

India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality

In this article, Yukta Anand and Prof. Asheesh Pandey throw light on carbon market, which is soon going to be a reality for India.

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2024
Water Equation India and the Nordics
TerraGreen

Water Equation India and the Nordics

The Nordic countries, known for their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, offer invaluable knowledge and technologies to improve water management practices. From state-of-the-art water purification systems to sustainable irrigation techniques, Nordic expertise provides crucial tools to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources. In this thought-provoking article, Biba Jasmine discusses that by utilizing the expertise and cutting-edge technologies from the Nordic region, Indian industries can enhance their water management systems, reduce pollution, and increase resource efficiency.

time-read
10 mins  |
May 2024
Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling
TerraGreen

Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling

Ankit Sharma is the Co-Founder & Director, Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd., which stands at the forefront of innovation in the energy storage industry, pioneering the manufacturing of cutting-edge battery materials for the batteries used in energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVS), mobiles, laptops, etc.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability
TerraGreen

The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability

Manu Shrivastava's article highlights the traditional dishes of South Gujarat and Maharashtra's Konkan region-ubadiyu, undhiyu, and popti.

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2024