Goeg note Eoy Water shortage impacts

Whats the point of economic impacts

Water shortages have a strong negative impact on economic development.

Whats the point of social impact

One social impact of water shortage is water rationing.

Whats a impact of political

Water shortages can lead to political tension between countries

Whats the explanation for economic impacts

Many industries depend on water to operate, especially agriculture, which uses about 70% of global freshwater. When water supply falls, crop yields drop. This reduces the amount of food available for export, lowering a country’s export revenue. Other industries such as manufacturing and beverages also face higher costs when water is scarce, which makes production more expensive and less competitive.

Whats one explanation for social impacts

When water shortage occurs, government may impose water rationing which is convenient for people.

Water rationing involves limiting the amount of water each individual or household can use by making water available only at certain times of the day. This can disrupt daily routines and activities that depend on a consistent water supply. As a result, people might struggle to maintain personal hygiene, do laundry, or wash dishes properly, leading to discomfort and a decline in living conditions. People will have to put up with the inconveniences to queue to collect water for their daily use.

Whats one explanation for political impacts

Conflicts between countries over water resources can occur when there is not enough water to go around. This happens when transboundary rivers are shared by two or more nations. An example is the Mekong River in south-eastern Asia which runs through six countries. Up to 70 million people in Southeast Asia and Southern China rely on the Mekong River for their daily uses and livelihoods. 

Whats one example of economic impacts

In Punjab, India, farmers need large amounts of water to grow crops like rice, much of which is exported. However, rainfall has become less reliable, and droughts are common. As a result, groundwater is being extracted at great depths, already reaching 150–200 metres. If this continues, levels are expected to fall below 300 metres by 2039. The falling water supply is steadily reducing crop yields and cutting down export volumes, threatening India’s agricultural economy.

What is an example of social impacts

For example, in 1963, Singapore experienced a severe drought which caused water levels in the reservoirs to be dangerously low. To conserve water supply, the government imposed water rationing which affected every household in Singapore. Water was cut off for twelve hours a day, three days a week. To beat the rationing hours, some people would wake up early or stay up very late to store the water needed.

what is an example of political impacts

When China begins to build dams on the upper Mekong River, it caused significant negative impacts on the downstream countries of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The problems include reduced water levels, significant fish stock depletion, and loss of sediment. These dams also disrupt the river's natural flow which are essential for fish migration and agricultural productivity. Cambodia is particularly affected, as the river's decreased water and sediment flow impacts the vital Tonle Sap Lake, affecting local communities that depend on fishing and farming for their livelihoods.