Contamination of surface and underground water by sea level rise, surface
runoff, and land use activities such as industrial and agricultural activities can
lead to water scarcity. Water could be available and accessible but not suitable
for human use. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region countries,
the agriculture sector depends massively on water for farming activities,
which consumes about 80% of the available water resources. In this context,
the issue of environmental water scarcity is under highlighted, though the use
of this term itself is still lacking in an international context (FAO). Meanwhile,
the international goal of universal access to clean freshwater is included
in global development targets (SDGs). This study provides some insights and
deepens our understanding on environmental water scarcity, particularly MENA
region countries.
Water use has been growing globally as the population and economies’ economic growth.The MENA are shown in red colour.Climate change and the increasing demand of water resources as a result of population and economic growth have received the serious global concern. However, the increase of water scarcity has consequently limited the progress of MENA societies as it increases poverty and decreases socio-economic life, unemployment and migration. In addition, it is estimated that the increase in average air temperature in MENA is projected to be higher than the projected increase in average global air temperature, which will mean that rainfall pattern will be affected in the region and surface water will dry up, affecting the overall water availability.Water scarcity should not only focus on water resources that are not enough for human consumption but theavailability of quality water is also important.
Water scarcity occurs when there is inadequate water to satisfy the demand. Regions where water resources are abundant but demand exceeds the supply capacity of the natural system also experience water scarcity.The actual renewable fresh water resources in the MENA region countries are the lowest in the world and agriculture dominates the demand for water.
The pertinent issues in the MENA region countries in relation to climate change impact and water scarcity are understood. This article further discussed some important activities that put stress on water resource or led to environmental water.scarcity. However, this article also provided brief argumentations that lacks of implementation of environmental water scarcity measures are hindering sustainable development, particularly the MENA region countries. Some important adaptation measures regarding water scarcity in MENA region countries were identified. The adaptation measures are dependent on the feasibility or technical capability of the country to adapt. The governments should support adaptive measures at the local level to address water scarcity problem and ensure such measure target populations that are likely to feel the impacts.Lastly, the issue of water scarcity is receiving increased attention from policymakers in the midst of climate change.
Full access:http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=74956&utm_campaign=blogger&utm_medium=ljw
Water use has been growing globally as the population and economies’ economic growth.The MENA are shown in red colour.Climate change and the increasing demand of water resources as a result of population and economic growth have received the serious global concern. However, the increase of water scarcity has consequently limited the progress of MENA societies as it increases poverty and decreases socio-economic life, unemployment and migration. In addition, it is estimated that the increase in average air temperature in MENA is projected to be higher than the projected increase in average global air temperature, which will mean that rainfall pattern will be affected in the region and surface water will dry up, affecting the overall water availability.Water scarcity should not only focus on water resources that are not enough for human consumption but theavailability of quality water is also important.
Water scarcity occurs when there is inadequate water to satisfy the demand. Regions where water resources are abundant but demand exceeds the supply capacity of the natural system also experience water scarcity.The actual renewable fresh water resources in the MENA region countries are the lowest in the world and agriculture dominates the demand for water.
The pertinent issues in the MENA region countries in relation to climate change impact and water scarcity are understood. This article further discussed some important activities that put stress on water resource or led to environmental water.scarcity. However, this article also provided brief argumentations that lacks of implementation of environmental water scarcity measures are hindering sustainable development, particularly the MENA region countries. Some important adaptation measures regarding water scarcity in MENA region countries were identified. The adaptation measures are dependent on the feasibility or technical capability of the country to adapt. The governments should support adaptive measures at the local level to address water scarcity problem and ensure such measure target populations that are likely to feel the impacts.Lastly, the issue of water scarcity is receiving increased attention from policymakers in the midst of climate change.
Article by Bachar Ibrahim, Henry Mensah,
from Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg s, Germany.
Full access:http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=74956&utm_campaign=blogger&utm_medium=ljw
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| Image by Vinoth Chandar, from Flickr-cc. |
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