Water scarcity
Water Scarcity
Water scarcity (/ˈwɔːtər ˈskɛərsɪti/), also known as water stress or water crisis, is the lack of fresh water resources to meet the standard water demand. The term originates from the combination of Old English "wæter" and Latin "scarsus" meaning "lacking, insufficient".
Water scarcity can be a result of two mechanisms: physical (absolute) water scarcity and economic water scarcity, where physical water scarcity is a result of inadequate natural water resources to supply a region's demand, and economic water scarcity is a result of poor management of the sufficient available water resources.
Causes
Water scarcity involves water shortage, water stress or deficits, and water crisis. The main causes of water scarcity include climate change, overuse and waste of water, and increased human demand for fresh water.
Impact
Water scarcity has significant impacts on the environment and human society. It can lead to issues such as desertification, reduced crop yields, and increased poverty. It can also exacerbate waterborne diseases and create conflicts over water resources.
Solutions
Solutions to water scarcity are multifaceted and can include water conservation, desalination, and water management strategies. These can involve policy changes, technological innovations, and changes in water use behaviors.
Related Terms
- Water shortage: A situation where the available water within a region is less than the region's demand.
- Water stress: The negative impact on water resources due to a variety of factors, including overuse and pollution.
- Water crisis: A situation where the available water within a region is not enough to meet the region's demand, often due to a combination of factors such as overuse, pollution, and climate change.
- Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
- Waterborne diseases: Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted in water.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Water scarcity
- Wikipedia's article - Water scarcity
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