Water scarcity

About: Water scarcity is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 11579 publications have been published within this topic receiving 228756 citations. The topic is also known as: water shortage.

Why States Co-operate over Shared Water: The Water Negotiations in the Jordan River Basin

Abstract: The focus of this chapter is on foreign policy decision-making in circumstances of water scarcity. It focuses on how the issue of water has been treated in the negotiations within the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and Israel and Jordan respectively. It also analyzes the implementation phase. The aim is to explain why and under what conditions co-operation between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority has occurred and how it has functioned in the water sector. Based on an overall actor-structure framework of analysis the factors identified as being important in affecting the process and outcome is identified. The development of a shared system of norms, rules and procedures (herein labeled a water regime) for how to manage the water resource are seen as a vital explanatory variable for the water co-operation in the Jordan River Basin.

Present Conditions and Future Challenges of Water Resources Problems in Iraq

Abstract: Iraq is part of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region). It greatly relies in its water resources on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Iraq was considered rich in its water resources till 1970s. After that problems due to water scarcity aroused. Recently, it is expected that water shortage problems will be more serious. The supply and demand are predicted to be 43 and 66.8 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) respectively in 2015, while in 2025 it will be 17.61 and 77BCM respectively. In addition, future prediction suggests that Tigris and Euphrates Rivers will be completely dry in 2040. To overcome this problem, prudent water management plan is to be adopted. It should include Strategic Water Management Vision, development of irrigation techniques, reduction of water losses, use of non-conventional water resources and research and development planning.

A review on the water-energy nexus for drinking water production from humid air

Abstract: The Supply of sustainable freshwater has turned into a fundamental problem in numerous countries. The increment in population, the industrialization of the world, and variation in global warming temperatures lead to an increase in droughts, storms, and floods around the world. Therefore, the problems of water scarcity appear worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, the largest reserves of water are available in the air. Accordingly, several technologies have been developed for the production of drinking water from humid air in the research works. But, the critical problem is the high energy consumption in this equipment. Therefore, the issues of water-energy nexus are the particular subject in the design and the construction of this equipment. The use of renewable energy (solar and wind energy) proposed as the solution for the reduction of energy costs. For example, the development of new desiccants for water harvesting by the utilization of solar energy has been reported in the literature. This paper describes an overall summarized presentational view of the various technologies for water extraction from humid air with the focusing on the water-energy nexus.

Climate Change, Water Scarcity, and Health Adaptation in Southwestern Coastal Bangladesh

Abstract: Climate change may affect human health through multiple and interactive pathways that include safe water scarcity. However, impacts of climate change-induced water scarcity on health and well-being are complex. About 80% of illnesses in developing countries are attributed to unsafe drinking water and waterborne diseases. In Southwestern Bangladesh, lack of safe drinking water is a severe crisis due to climate change. The study investigated the impacts of climate change on water resources and human health in a coastal area. A questionnaire survey was carried out in two villages of Shymnagar upazila on the southwestern coast to investigate the present status of safe water sources and health care facilities and their impacts on the local community. The results show that the local community believes that climate change is having substantial impacts on freshwater sources and health. More than 70% of the respondents identified diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases as the prime waterborne health risks that occur through climate-related safe water scarcity. By synthesizing the ground data, we suggest pathways to health adaptation to climate change effects and safe water scarcity through locally available adaptive practices such as the use of pond sand filters, rainwater harvesting, and importing potable water with the active participation of the government, nongovernmental organizations, and communities.

The inter-linkages between rapid growth in livestock production, climate change, and the impacts on water resources, land use, and deforestation

Abstract: Livestock systems globally are changing rapidly in response to human population growth, urbanization, and growing incomes. This paper discusses the linkages between burgeoning demand for livestock products, growth in livestock production, and the impacts this may have on natural resources, and how these may both affect and be affected by climate change in the coming decades. Water and land scarcity will increasingly have the potential to constrain food production growth, with adverse impacts on food security and human well-being. Climate change will exacerbate many of these trends, with direct effects on agricultural yields, water availability, and production risk. In the transition to a carbon-constrained economy, livestock systems will have a key role to play in mitigating future emissions. At the same time, appropriate pricing of greenhouse gas emissions will modify livestock production costs and patterns. Health and ethical considerations can also be expected to play an increasing role in modifying consumption patterns of livestock products, particularly in more developed countries. Livestock systems are heterogeneous, and a highly differentiated approach needs to be taken to assessing impacts and options, particularly as they affect the resource-poor and those vulnerable to global change. Development of comprehensive frameworks that can be used for assessing impacts and analyzing trade-offs at both local and regional levels is needed for identifying and targeting production practices and policies that are locally appropriate and can contribute to environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, and economic development.