Rainwater
Around 52% of the world’s population – projected at 9.7 billion people – will live in water-stressed regions by 2050
The water on our Earth today is the same water that’s been here for nearly 5 billion years. Only a tiny bit of it has escaped out into space.
Freshwater that is available on the surface is relatively scarce. Streams, Rivers, and lakes are the most visible part of the water cycle which supply fresh water which is vital for life, supporting ecosystems and human civilizations.
While nearly 70% of the world is covered by water, 97.5% of the water is salt-water and only 2.5% is freshwater. The rest is saline and ocean-based. Off the 2.5% freshwater, just 1% is easily accessible, as much of it is trapped in glaciers and snowfields.
According to a NASA-led study, many of the world’s freshwater sources are being drained faster than they are being replenished.
Jay Famiglietti, the senior water scientist at NASA, says that “the water table is dropping all over the world. There’s not an infinite supply of rainwater.”
While our planet as a whole may never run out of the water, it’s important to remember that Water is not just a resource; it’s life itself. Protecting it is not only a responsibility but a necessity for the survival of future generations. As populations grow and climate patterns shift, the time to act is now. Building resilience through better water management and conservation practices will ensure that water remains accessible to all, preventing the looming crisis of widespread water scarcity.
In addition to policy interventions, empowering local communities through education about water stewardship can significantly enhance conservation efforts. Embracing traditional knowledge alongside modern technology can create a balance between sustainable practices and innovation, ensuring long-term water security. Addressing this challenge today will determine the health of ecosystems, food security, and equitable access to water tomorrow.
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