Despite five large oceans, many seas and mighty rivers, countries around the world are suffering from water scarcity. That is because almost 97.5 per cent of all water on earth is salt water, leaving only 2.5 per cent as fresh water. Two thirds of that freshwater is frozen in glaciers or icecaps. The remaining water is increasingly coming under pressure from agriculture, industry and a growing population.
The world is facing severe droughts; rivers are polluted and rural communities are living off contaminated water. A country faces water stress when annual fresh water supplies drop below 1,700 cubic meters per person. Water-scarce countries have annual fresh water supplies of less than 1,000 cubic meters per person. According to a United Nations projection, half of the world’s population will suffer a shortage of water in 2025.
Contents:
The Divide between North and South China
China Says No to Water Treaties
The River Nile
Competition for Resources
Developed Countries are not Spared
Action for Hope
Total Word Count: 1464
Ripple produces e-books on current affairs for kids. Raising their awareness of global issues can help them develop a larger perspective in our increasingly interconnected world.
The world is facing severe droughts; rivers are polluted and rural communities are living off contaminated water. A country faces water stress when annual fresh water supplies drop below 1,700 cubic meters per person. Water-scarce countries have annual fresh water supplies of less than 1,000 cubic meters per person. According to a United Nations projection, half of the world’s population will suffer a shortage of water in 2025.
Contents:
The Divide between North and South China
China Says No to Water Treaties
The River Nile
Competition for Resources
Developed Countries are not Spared
Action for Hope
Total Word Count: 1464
Ripple produces e-books on current affairs for kids. Raising their awareness of global issues can help them develop a larger perspective in our increasingly interconnected world.
