Recent studies indicate alarming trends in global water availability. Water gaps are projected to increase due to climate change. A study published in January 2025 marks that current water gaps of 458 billion cubic metres per year could rise by 6% with 1.5°C warming and by 15% with 3°C warming. This issue affects every continent, intensifying in regions already facing water scarcity.
About Water Gaps
Water gaps occur when water consumption exceeds the renewable supply. This imbalance threatens ecosystems and human livelihoods. The study utilised data from five climate models to assess water gaps under different warming scenarios. The findings reveal that regions like the eastern United States and parts of India are particularly vulnerable.
Regional Impacts of Climate Change
The report identifies specific regions facing severe water gaps. Under 1.5°C warming, India is expected to see an increase of 11.1 km³/year in water gaps. Other countries like China, Pakistan, and the United States also face increases. Interestingly, some regions currently unaffected, such as parts of Italy and the Great Lakes region, may experience worsening conditions under future warming scenarios.
Hydrological Basins at Risk
Major hydrological basins are experiencing notable changes in water gaps. The Ganges-Brahmaputra basin is projected to see the largest increase in water gaps under warming conditions. Other basins include the Indus, Mississippi-Missouri, and Tigris-Euphrates. These changes could disrupt water availability for millions relying on these water sources.
Strategies for Sustainable Water Management
To combat the growing water scarcity, the study suggests developing resilient water management systems. Recommendations include investing in infrastructure, enhancing water storage, and promoting desalination. Additionally, reusing treated wastewater and transferring water from abundant areas to those in need could alleviate some pressure.
Community Initiatives
Local initiatives also play important role in managing water resources. For example, a village in Uttar Pradesh has successfully implemented greywater systems to recharge groundwater and mitigate flooding. Such community-led efforts highlight the importance of integrating water supply with sanitation and wastewater management.
Global Implications
The study puts stress on that approximately 4 billion people live in regions facing water scarcity for at least one month each year. As climate change progresses, the need for sustainable water management becomes increasingly urgent. Governments and communities must adapt to these challenges to secure water resources for future generations.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of climate change on global water resources and its socio-economic implications.
- What are the primary factors contributing to water scarcity in the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin? Explain with suitable examples.
- Comment on the role of community initiatives in sustainable water management. What lessons can be learned from successful examples?
- What is the significance of resilient infrastructure in combating water scarcity? How can it be effectively implemented in vulnerable regions?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on global water resources and its socio-economic implications.
- Climate change leads to increased water gaps, projected to rise by 6% under 1.5°C and 15% under 3°C warming.
- Regions like India, the US, and parts of Africa face severe water scarcity, affecting agriculture and livelihoods.
- Altered precipitation patterns disrupt local ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and food insecurity.
- Water scarcity exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, particularly in developing countries where resources are already limited.
- Long-term impacts include increased migration, conflict over water resources, and heightened public health risks.
2. What are the primary factors contributing to water scarcity in the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin? Explain with suitable examples.
- High population density increases water demand, straining available resources in the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin.
- Climate change leads to altered rainfall patterns and glacial melt, impacting river flow and water availability.
- Unsustainable agricultural practices and over-extraction of groundwater contribute to declining water levels.
- Pollution from industrial and domestic sources degrades water quality, further limiting usable water supply.
- Regional conflicts over water rights and management complicate cooperative efforts for sustainable use.
3. Comment on the role of community initiatives in sustainable water management. What lessons can be learned from successful examples?
- Community initiatives, like those in Uttar Pradesh, demonstrate effective local solutions for water management through greywater systems.
- Such initiatives promote resource conservation and enhance community resilience against flooding and water scarcity.
- Engagement of local populations ensures solutions are culturally appropriate and tailored to specific needs.
- Successful examples highlight the importance of integrating water supply with sanitation and wastewater management.
- Collaboration between communities and governments can amplify the impact of local initiatives and secure funding.
4. What is the significance of resilient infrastructure in combating water scarcity? How can it be effectively implemented in vulnerable regions?
- Resilient infrastructure enhances water storage, distribution, and treatment, crucial for managing scarcity effectively.
- Investment in infrastructure like dams, reservoirs, and advanced irrigation systems can mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Implementing sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling helps optimize water use.
- Community involvement in planning and maintenance ensures that infrastructure meets local needs and sustainability goals.
- Governments should prioritize funding and policy support for resilient infrastructure in high-risk areas to enhance adaptive capacity.
