Freshwater availability at HL: Freshwater availability and distribution are taught the same way for SL and HL. What HL adds across this topic is the economics and politics of water — who gets it, what it's worth, and how scarcity is managed.
Nothing extra to memorise here — just learn where the world's fresh water actually is.
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Freshwater availability and distribution
Big idea: Freshwater is unevenly distributed across the planet. Some countries have more than they need, while others face severe shortages. This inequality drives conflict and migration.
Why freshwater is scarce
- Only 3% of Earths water is freshwater
- Of that, 69% is frozen in glaciers and ice caps
- 30% is groundwater (often deep and expensive to access)
- Only 1% is surface water (lakes, rivers, swamps)
- Much freshwater is in remote locations (Amazon, Siberia)
Factors affecting freshwater availability
- Climate — arid regions receive less precipitation
- Geography — distance from water sources, terrain
- Population density — more people = more demand
- Economic development — wealthy countries can build infrastructure
- Pollution — contamination makes water unusable
- Climate change — altering precipitation patterns, melting glaciers
Physical scarcity = not enough water exists. Economic scarcity = water exists but people cannot afford to access it. Both cause suffering, but require different solutions!
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IB-style question — why some countries avoid water scarcity [2]
The nation of Valbergia has heavy year-round rainfall, large mountain lakes, and only 4 million people. Outline two reasons why Valbergia is unlikely to face water scarcity. [2]
How to answer it, step by step
- {"label":"**One mark for each clear reason**","body":"**Match a feature to plenty of water**<br>• High rainfall (and low evaporation) keeps supply topped up<br>• Big lakes/rivers/glaciers store lots of freshwater"}
- {"label":"**Reasons demand stays low**","body":"**Fewer people = less pressure**<br>• Small population means low demand per person<br>• Or: technology like desalination/harvesting adds backup supply"}
Final answer
Give two separate reasons (one for big supply, one for low demand) — not two versions of the same idea.