Lecture Notes: Global Water Scarcity

Introduction

Water scarcity is a global issue affecting regions across the planet.
- Example: Klamath, Oregon, and Punjab, India, are both experiencing water shortages.
- Around 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity at least one month a year.

Only 1% of Earth's water sustains all life.
Water moves around the planet in a cycle:
- Evaporation → Clouds → Precipitation (Rain/Snow) → Melting snow feeds rivers.
Climate change impacts:
- More rain, less snow → Less water in rivers during summer.
- Drier ground absorbs less water, leading to floods.
- Climate change accelerates the water cycle: more evaporation, rain, drought, less available water.

The notes correctly describe how climate change impacts the water cycle.

Here's a summary of the key points:

Less snow, more rain: Rising temperatures cause more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow. This means there's less snowpack to melt and replenish rivers during the summer months.
Drier ground, less absorption: With less snow and more evaporation, the ground becomes drier. Dry ground absorbs water less effectively, leading to more runoff and flooding.
Accelerated water cycle: Climate change speeds up the entire cycle: more evaporation, more rain, more droughts, and ultimately less available water for human use.

70% of water is used for agriculture, reaching up to 90% in some countries like Iran.
Meat production is especially water-intensive.

Historical boom in dam construction to support economic growth, leading to inequality.
- Example: Klamath, Oregon, where dams impact local communities.
Overuse of groundwater due to insufficient surface water.
Punjab, India, faces significant groundwater depletion due to agriculture.
- Policies exist, but water table hasn't recovered.

High cost of water affects low-income individuals disproportionately.
- Example: Madagascar, where water can consume 45% of low-wage income.
Water scarcity affects health, increases risks for women/girls, causes psychological trauma.

Private companies profit from water scarcity, with rising demands for clean water.
Privatization can lead to higher costs and inequality.
- Some cities have re-municipalized water systems.
Issues with water mafias and bottled water industry.
- Companies like Coca-Cola and Nestle accused of exacerbating scarcity.

Investing in water infrastructure, reducing meat consumption, and restoring ecosystems.
Decommissioning dams and giving legal rights to nature.
- Example: Yurok tribe's rights for the Klamath River.

Fun Fact: Earth is the only known planet with water in solid, liquid, and gas states.

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