Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Global Water Crisis Overview:
- Briefly introduce the acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater, emphasizing its significance as a global issue.
- Mention the recognition of access to clean water under Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6).
Reasons for Freshwater Scarcity
- Increasing Population:
- Highlight the projected population growth from 8 billion to nearly 10.4 billion by the mid-2080s (Source: United Nations).
- Agricultural Demand:
- Note that agriculture consumes 70% of global freshwater and will need to produce 60% more food by 2050 to feed the growing population (Source: FAO).
- Climate Change and Pollution:
- Discuss how climate change disrupts water availability and pollution diminishes safe freshwater resources.
Alternative Technologies to Solve the Water Crisis
- Desalination Technologies:
- Description: Explain how desalination converts seawater into freshwater.
- Example: Mention the Sorek desalination plant in Israel, which supplies 20% of the country’s drinking water.
- Merits:
- Provides a reliable water source for coastal regions.
- Demerits:
- High energy consumption and environmental concerns related to brine disposal.
- Rainwater Harvesting:
- Description: Describe the method of capturing and storing rainwater for reuse.
- Example: Reference traditional Johads in Rajasthan that effectively recharge groundwater.
- Merits:
- Simple to implement and reduces reliance on groundwater.
- Demerits:
- Limited effectiveness in areas with low rainfall and requires adequate storage infrastructure.
- Wastewater Recycling and Reuse:
- Description: Discuss treating and reusing wastewater for various applications.
- Example: Highlight Singapore’s NEWater project, which meets 40% of the country’s water needs.
- Merits:
- Conserves freshwater by recycling used water.
- Demerits:
- High initial setup costs and potential public resistance to using treated wastewater.
Conclusion
- Summary of Technologies:
- Recap the discussed technologies and their potential to alleviate freshwater scarcity.
- Call to Action:
- Emphasize the need for integrated strategies combining innovative technologies, robust policies, and community involvement to secure sustainable freshwater sources.
Model Answer
Introduction
The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater, driven by factors such as population growth, climate change, and pollution. Innovative technologies are essential to address this crisis. Here are three alternative technologies that can help solve the freshwater scarcity issue, along with their merits and demerits.
1. Desalination Technologies
Desalination involves converting seawater into freshwater by removing salt and impurities. This technology is particularly beneficial for coastal regions facing freshwater shortages. For instance, the Sorek desalination plant in Israel supplies approximately 20% of the country’s drinking water.
2. Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting captures and stores rainwater for reuse, especially in areas with seasonal rainfall. Traditional methods, such as Johads in Rajasthan, effectively recharge groundwater and provide irrigation water.
3. Wastewater Recycling and Reuse
This technology treats and reuses wastewater for various applications, including industrial use and potable water. Singapore’s NEWater project is a notable example, meeting about 40% of the country’s water needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tackling freshwater scarcity requires a combination of innovative technologies like desalination, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling, along with effective policies and community involvement to ensure sustainable water access.