Water EQ3

• What is the main topic of EQ3?

  Water cycle and water insecurity
• How does water insecurity occur?

  Through physical and human causes
• What are the physical causes of water insecurity?

  Climate, evaporation, discharge, saltwater encroachment
• What human activities contribute to water insecurity?

  Contamination and over abstraction
• How does climate change exacerbate water insecurity?

  It impacts water availability and distribution
• What is water stress?

  When supply and demand for water mismatch
• What defines water scarcity?

  Less than 1,000 m³ per person per day
• Which countries experience absolute water scarcity?

  Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Syria
• What are the three key factors driving rising water demand?

  Population growth, economic development, living standards
• How does competition for water contribute to insecurity?

  It increases pressure on limited water resources
• What is physical water scarcity?

  When over 75% of accessible water is used
• What is economic water scarcity?

  Limited access due to lack of money and technology
• How many people live under physical water scarcity?

  About 25% of the world's population
• What role does agriculture play in water use?

  It accounts for significant water extraction annually
• Why is agricultural water use considered unsustainable?

  It leads to massive underground depletion
• What percentage of fresh water is used for industry and energy?

  20% of all fresh water
• How does water pollution affect human health?

  It leads to diseases like typhoid and cholera
• What is the significance of clean water for human well-being?

  It is vital for health and sanitation
• What are the two case studies related to water conflict?

  • River Nile: Internal dispute over water rights
  • Mekong Delta: Transboundary dispute over dam proposals
• What caused the conflict over the River Nile?

  Increasing water demand and historical agreements
• What was the purpose of the 1999 Nile Basin Initiative?

  To ensure efficient management and cooperation
• What is a proposed solution to the Nile conflict?

  Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
• What is the significance of the Mekong Delta?

  It supports 70 million residents and biodiversity
• What criticism did China face regarding the Mekong River dams?

  Insufficient environmental impact assessments
• What is the definition of water stress?

  Mismatch between water supply and demand
• How does climate change affect water distribution?

  It alters precipitation patterns and availability
• What role does technology play in addressing water scarcity?

  It improves water extraction and management
• Why is governance important in water management?

  It ensures equitable distribution and access
• How does water supply relate to economic development?

  It is crucial for agriculture and industry
• How do rising living standards affect water demand?

  They increase the need for domestic water use
• What is the significance of irrigation in agriculture?

  It sustains crops and food production
• What are the consequences of industrial water pollution?

  It contaminates water sources and harms health
• How does poor sanitation affect health?

  It leads to diseases like cholera and malaria
• Why is sustainable water management important?

  It ensures long-term availability and quality
• What is the eighth largest river in the world?

  Mekong River
• Why is the Mekong River important to its residents?

  It serves as a source of water
• What historical issues affect the Mekong River region?

  Conflict and flooding issues
• What was China's proposal regarding the Mekong River?

  To build 37 dams for water storage
• What criticism has China faced regarding its dam proposal?

  Insufficient environmental impact assessments
• What initiative did the Mekong River Commission create in 1995?

  Sustainable development initiative