Climate Change and Water Scarcity and their Causes and Impacts

What is Climate Change and Water Scarcity?

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Climate Change is a shift in climate patterns at the global and regional levels and is mostly linked to higher quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide created by the combustion of fossil fuels.

Water scarcity can refer to a non-availability of water due to a physical shortage or a lack of access due to institutions' failure to assure a consistent supply or a lack of suitable infrastructure.

Causes of Climate Change and Water Scarcity

Today, Climate change and water scarcity are pressing and critical issues. Water is both a living necessity and a driving force of nature, as there is no life without it, but the planet is badly affected by it. Climate change and water scarcity are results of :

Climate Change Causes 

• Variations in Earth's orbit 

• Increase in levels of carbon dioxide (Industries, Vehicles, Volcanoes, Green Houses)

• Deforestation

• Increase in Population

• Population growth

Water Scarcity Causes

• Urbanization

• Agricultural and Industrial expansion

• Insensitive water usage

• Lack of water policies

• Lack of infrastructure

• Water Pollution

• Lack of recycling of water

• Global Warming 

• Glaciers' Melting

• Change in temperature 

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Water Scarcity Impacts

• Floods

• Rising sea-levels

• Heavy rains, snow, and hail storms

• Drought

• Water crisis
• 
  
• Less agricultural productions

• Landslides

• Diseases

• Wildlife risks

• Forest fires

• Inflation

• Less electric energy production 

• Shortage of food and many more

We can't ignore the problems that require a prompt response because they are destroying our planet. 

Climate Change and Water Scarcity in Pakistan

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The situation in Pakistan is much more concerning because surface and groundwater levels are fast dwindling. The supply of safe drinking water is rapidly diminishing. Due to population growth, the gap between supply and demand for clean water is widening. According to the Society for Social Management Systems, "the per capita water consumption varies greatly, ranging from 30 to 350 liters per day."

According to an IMF assessment, Pakistan is among the 36 most water-stressed countries. "Annual water availability per capita has decreased from 5,600 cubic meters to 1,017 cubic meters, owing primarily to population expansion." Pakistan is likewise experiencing issues with access to safe drinking water. According to the Water Aid organization, "Pakistan is among the top 10 countries with the lowest access to clean and safe drinking water." People in Pakistan trek for miles to obtain clean drinking water. Pakistan faces a severe water crisis by 2025 because, according to a report published by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) research, "by 2025, there will be no shortage of water." It indicates that water scarcity is likely to intensify shortly. The lack of adequate legislation and awareness initiatives on water conservation in Pakistan would exacerbate the issue. Excessive use of pure water will have devastating implications.

Water used in Agriculture

Pakistan is an agricultural country and is already dealing with water scarcity issues, such as drought in Sindh and Baluchistan. The agricultural industry in Pakistan solely relies on the Indus River, and it utilizes 96 percent of Indus water, while industries and homes use only 4%. But today conditions are becoming worst in Pakistan as there is no safe water for drinking and agricultural use. Due to the shortage of water mango production in Pakistan is reduced by 60% and in the coming days, Pakistan is going to face, less production in other major crops.

Measures to Save Water

Pakistan is a naturally blessed country, but the state must take water resource management seriously. To save water, we must all play our parts as a community. Because every drop of water is valuable to us and our environment, we must be more responsible and sensible. Rather than being careless with our water consumption, we must be more vigilant. Overflowing tanks, leaking and running faucets while doing housework, and excessive personal water usage must be addressed. Water level controllers should be installed in tanks to prevent overflow.

In different regions, public awareness campaigns on water conservation should be developed. If we do not change our habits when it comes to water use, we shall be victims of water scarcity in near future. Sindh and Baluchistan are already under water-scarcity pressure. 

"To a thirsty man, a drop of water is worth more than a sack of money." this is what Pakistan is facing nowadays. The IMF has warned Pakistan that water scarcity will hit hard and that the situation will worsen shortly. So, we have to be more careful because every drop of water mean to us.