Ch. 4.7, Beginning to Think Globally, and Ch. 4.8, Global Connections, pp. 74 - 77
Water is Essential to LifeEarth’s surface is 70% water, but . . .
98% is saltwater, and only 2% freshwater
About 3/4 of the small amount which is freshwater is frozen
People’s Sources of Fresh Water
Rivers, lakes, streamsWells/underground water supplies
RainwaterDesalination of salt water
“. . . At least 1 billion (people) lack a steady supply of clean, safe drinking water . . . And every year more than 2.2 million people die from diseases . . . related to unsafe drinking water.” p. 74
Increasing Water ShortagesThe amount of freshwater stays the same,
while Earth’s population continues to grow.
China—polluted rivers, shrinking aquifers in the midst of a growing population
Egypt—dependent on Nile River; countries to Egypt’s south may affect the river’s flow
Climate Change and Water SuppliesSome scientists believe global warming will
lead to reduced rainfall in some areas and flooding in others
Managing water supplies:Water collection and storage—if your country
has too little waterFlood control—if your country has too much!
Factors affecting freshwater availability
Population growth
Future climate changes
Pollution of formerly safe drinking sources
Future concerns
Increased cost of water $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Lower food production
Public health problems
TAKE THE QUIZ WITH YOUR CLASSMATES!
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/freshwater-101-quiz/
What can we do?http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/
environment/freshwater/top-ten/
Works Cited
http://e-iwm.wikispaces.comhttp://environment.nationalgeographic.com/
environment/freshwater/freshwater-101-quiz/http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/
environment/freshwater/top-ten/http://lutheranworld.orghttp://rashidfaridi.wordpress.comhttp://topnews.in
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