THE COMING GLOBAL WAR FOR WATER
Water scarcity will define international relations and security between nations in the coming decades of the 21st century.
The issue of inadequate access to fresh water is quickly becoming one of the most pressing issues confronting the world today and in the future.
Access to safe and sufficient water is becoming increasingly difficult for many communities throughout the world as a result of factors such as population growth, increased industrialization and urbanisation, and the effects of climate change.
The aforementioned is being referred to as a “war for water” because it is causing countries, regions, and even small communities to clash over scarce resources.
Lack of access to clean drinking water is one of the main causes of rising violence, and this problem is getting worse as the world's population grows. As the world’s population grows, so will the need for additional water.
This is particularly true in developing nations, which have some of the world’s fastest population growth rates. For example, it is expected that Sub-Saharan Africa’s population will double by 2050, putting even greater strain on already scarce water resources.
Another key issue contributing to the water shortage is the fast industrialization and urbanisation that is happening all over the planet. Water demand is expected to rise as more people relocate to cities.
Furthermore, industrial activities use a lot of water, which might limit the quantity of water in a region even further. This is particularly true in poorer nations, where the industry is often unregulated and water contamination is a widespread issue.
Climate change is one of the most significant causes of water scarcity. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns continue to shift, droughts and floods become more severe and frequent. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of pure water available and an increase in the amount of saline in coastal water sources.
In numerous regions across the globe, the so-called “battle for water” has already commenced. There have been instances of conflict where states could not agree on the quantity of available water. India and Pakistan, for instance, have fought multiple battles against one another due to their rivalry over the Indus River. In a similar fashion, the availability of water resources is one of the primary causes of interstate conflict in the Middle East.
Concerns have also been raised about the possibility of future water supply issues. Countries are expected to become more proactive in their attempts to preserve water resources as global demand for water rises. This option raises the prospect of future heightened tension and maybe armed conflicts.
To summarise, the impending battle over water supplies is an extremely serious and urgent matter that requires our swift intervention. By increasing water efficiency and conservation, investing in water infrastructure, and encouraging sustainable development, we can help ensure that everyone in every region of the globe has access to clean water and enough of it.
