Why is fresh water scarce?

1. List the main reasons for water scarcity.
The main reasons are variations in climate, land degradation, population growth and water pollution.
2. What is a drought? What type of hardship do you think that a drought could cause if you were living in a village in a poor country such as Ethiopia?
A drought is a period of below average precipitation. This can vary in length. You could have no water, no food, you get sick, no hygiene and many people die.
3. How does land degradation effect the supply of fresh water?
It greatly reduce the ability of the soil to store water.
4. (a) What is El Nino?
El Nino is a periodical change (3-5 years) in the atmosphere and ocean of the pacific.
(b) Why does El Nino often cause drought in Australia?
El Nino brings high presume over most of Australia. The result is a prolonged and serious drought.
5. Observe the map showing the global effects of El Nino in 1982-83.
(a) What effect does El Nino have on the availability on fresh water?
Floods, heavy storms, rapid melting of snow and tidal waves affects the supply of fresh water because water becomes heavily polluted and little clean water is available. As a result could be fatal diceases such as cholera.
(b) Name the countries and describe the problems that arose from decreased rainfall caused by El Nino.
In the Philippines, China, Africa, Papua New Guinea and Australia El Nino caused drought and water scarcity: Bad Wheat export for Australia, lower rice harvest in the Phillippines, high air polution in Indonesia and reduced corn crop in sub-Saharan region.