Evaluate the extent to which water insecurity is the result of physical or human causes

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 Evaluate the extent to which water insecurity is the result of physical or human causes (20 marks)

Water insecurity is defined as a lack of a consistent source of water, which is of sufficient quality and quantity to meet the demands of the local human population and environment. Often caused by water scarcity, this is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region This can be caused because of both human and physical factors. Some physical causes of water insecurity are climate variability and salt water encroachment on the coast as well as human causes like, over abstraction from rivers, lakes and groundwater including industrial pollution and population growth.

Water insecurity is not a global issue, but hugely impacts countries and regions, this may be because of their physical location and levels of economic development. One of the main physical causes of water insecurity is climate change. Climate change is predicted to lead to increased precipitation variability and decreased water storage in snow and ice. In turn, this will lead to increased variability of river flow including both river and through, which in turn will lead to a less reliable surface water supply. Each degree of warming is projected to expose an additional 7% of the world population to a 20% or more reduction in their renewable water resources. With a drier climate and less rainfall, agricultural areas become more desperate for water to irrigate their crops.

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Another physical cause of water insecurity is salt water encroachment. This is the movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers, which can lead to groundwater quality degradation, including drinking water and other consequences. Climate change can increase salt water encroachment along coastal regions, particularly as sea levels rise. For example, in Los Angeles, saltwater is seeping into the coastal aquifers and replacing freshwater. The problem is significant as nearly 10 million of La’s residents rely on these groundwater sources.  In addition to that, droughts have worsened the salt water intrusion problem, because there is little rainfall to replenish the aquifers. ...

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