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