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!