Fresh Water Scarcity An Introduction to the Problem
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The Global Fresh Water Crisis
You may have heard that we are running out of fresh water. This might seem strange, especially if you live in a place where water flows freely from the tap or shower. However, the reality is that fresh water is not as abundant as it seems. The only obvious thing about fresh water is how much we need it. It’s essential to life, and therefore, we need to think about it carefully.
The Impact on People
Right now, there are people, particularly women and girls, who walk hours and miles per day to get fresh water, and even then, it may not be clean. Every 15 seconds, a child dies due to water-borne diseases. This is a tragic reality. The most compelling reasons to think about fresh water, therefore, have to do with what we might call the global common good. This means recognizing how much fresh water matters for the flourishing of human and non-human life on Earth, now and in the future.
Understanding Fresh Water Shortages
Many people assume that freshwater shortages are due to individual wastefulness, such as running the water while brushing teeth or taking long showers. Most of us assume that water shortages can be fixed by improving our personal habits. However, global freshwater scarcity neither starts nor ends in your shower. Globally, domestic use of freshwater accounts for only 8% of consumption. Compare that to the 70% that goes to agriculture and the 22% that goes to industrial uses.
The Role of Individual Habits
While individual habits are part of the puzzle, it’s important to note that taking shorter showers won’t solve global problems. It would be much more straightforward and easier if virtuous, individual actions could do the trick. However, agricultural and industrial patterns of water use need serious attention.
Valuing Water
How do our societies value water? How do we distribute it? How do we subsidize its use in agriculture? How do we incentivize its consumption or pollution? These are all questions that stem from how we think about fresh water’s value. Is it an economic commodity? A human right? A public good? Nobel prize winners, global water justice activists, transnational institutions like the United Nations, and even the Catholic Church are at work on the issue.
The Business of Water
The business of water became very profitable in the 20th century. However, profit is not the same thing as the common good. We need to figure out how to value freshwater as a public good, something that’s vital for human and non-human life, now and in the future. This is a virtuous, collective task that goes far beyond individual showers.
Discussion Questions
- How does the global fresh water crisis impact people, particularly women and girls?
- What are some of the reasons behind fresh water shortages?
- Why is it important to look beyond individual habits when addressing fresh water scarcity?
- How do different societies value and distribute water?
- What are the implications of valuing water as an economic commodity versus a human right or public good?
- What is the role of transnational institutions and organizations in addressing the global fresh water crisis?
- How does the profit-driven nature of the business of water affect the common good?
- What are some potential collective solutions to the fresh water crisis that go beyond individual actions?
Lesson Vocabulary
freshwater – water that is not salty and is suitable for drinking, cooking, and irrigation. – The lake provides a steady supply of fresh water for the nearby town.
crisis – a time of intense difficulty or danger. – The country is facing an economic crisis due to high inflation rates.
abundant – existing or available in large quantities. – The region is known for its abundant natural resources.
essential – absolutely necessary; extremely important. – Good nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
impact – the effect or influence of one thing on another. – The new policy had a positive impact on the company’s profits.
people – human beings in general or considered collectively. – The conference aimed to address the needs of the local people.
shortages – a state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts. – There is a shortage of medical supplies in the rural areas.
individual habits – personal behaviors or practices of a single person. – Sustainable living starts with changing individual habits, such as reducing water consumption.
valuing water – recognizing and appreciating the importance and worth of water. – Education plays a crucial role in valuing water as a precious resource.
business of water – the industry or activities related to the management, distribution, and treatment of water. – Many companies are involved in the business of water, from bottling to wastewater treatment.
common good – the benefit or welfare of all members of a community or society. – The government should prioritize policies that promote the common good and ensure access to clean water for everyone.
collective task – a task or responsibility that requires the cooperation and efforts of a group or community. – Addressing climate change is a collective task that requires global collaboration.
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- Categories: Health, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: abundant, business of water, collective task, common good, crisis, essential, fresh water, impact, individual habits, people, shortages, valuing water
