Shared Sources
“About three fifths of water flowing in all rivers is shared by two or more countries—in 263 river basins in 145 countries, where two fifths of the world’s population lives. As a result, many countries are highly dependent on water resources that originate from outside their national territory.” (Levy & Sidel, 2010).
This means that some countries have the ability to alter the water within their country, affecting the water that another country may receive. The following photos show how some major rivers flow through multiple countries. By looking at the photos (some which show where dams are being put up), you can see how the water flow could be greatly affected by some countries in the future.
This means that some countries have the ability to alter the water within their country, affecting the water that another country may receive. The following photos show how some major rivers flow through multiple countries. By looking at the photos (some which show where dams are being put up), you can see how the water flow could be greatly affected by some countries in the future.
“One billion people do not have access to safe water—a problem that will likely increase as the world population grows from 6.8 billion people now to about 9.0 billion by 2050. This problem likely will become especially severe in countries with high population growth rates that share a major source of freshwater with other countries.” (Levy & Sidel, 2010).
While in our recent history many of our wars have been fought over oil, it is common thought among global activists, that our future wars will be fought over access to fresh water. Water is of course the life source to all on earth, and many areas are already struggling with access to it that is safe and clean. As our population grows and these problems escalate, countries and areas that live up stream on the water source have the potential to keep the resource to themselves by building dams and reservoirs, essentially cutting off those who live down stream. Governments and those in power can also keep what small resources they have for those who can afford it. These things have the potential to cause violent conflict as people fight to survive.
While in our recent history many of our wars have been fought over oil, it is common thought among global activists, that our future wars will be fought over access to fresh water. Water is of course the life source to all on earth, and many areas are already struggling with access to it that is safe and clean. As our population grows and these problems escalate, countries and areas that live up stream on the water source have the potential to keep the resource to themselves by building dams and reservoirs, essentially cutting off those who live down stream. Governments and those in power can also keep what small resources they have for those who can afford it. These things have the potential to cause violent conflict as people fight to survive.