Why would there be water shortages?

Question

I mean if global warming is causing floods and stuff, why would there will be water shortages? I mean wouldn't it be a good thing if there were water all around us, and we could use that to make it clean and give people. In africa and stuff? So why would there be water shortages? Sorry, but I just wanted to know and I don't know much about climate stuff.

Answer 1

The reason is simple - there is as much water today as it was say a thousand(s) year ago. But the demand is increasing. Second point - water is not evenly distributed. Lastly in many countries water is wasted into the ocean. We will have ample water if

1. Its not wasted
2. Rain water is tapped
3. Water sheds / dams do not allow water to be drained into the ocean
4. Recycling is fully implemented

Answer 2

Well, global warming is causing the polar ice caps to melt. Once these giant bodies of ice melt the will go into the ocean. So then the oceans will rise, along most coasts this will cause flooding. But because this new water goes into the ocean, the water is not drinkable because its salt content is too high. In theory the larger amounts of liquid water will cause more rain but since the oceans have gotten larger more less rain will fall on land.

So it is possible that global warming could be a good thing and supply countries like Africa with more water, but there will be less land, crowding our allready over crowded cities.

Hope this answers your question, i can go into more detail if you like.

Answer 3

I not sure that global warming is a long term trend, but the world's weather patterns seem to more erratic. Ironically global warming may trigger a new ice age. Our (the world's industrial activity) may tip the balance sooner rather than later, but there are other, more powerful, natural forces at work - like the sun - which will determine the planet's weather more than we could. There is going to be more chaos, and those places that usually have a stable weather pattern no longer do. Moving water from places that get too much to other places that don't get much costs money, and no one at this point in time wants to spend it.

I do believe that the human race can adapt to any future weather problems short of a mass extinction event, whether natural or man made. But, that takes , and planning and preparedness, and the world's leaders aren't into that type of long range planning.

The industrial production of fresh water may work, but it's going to cost more, because those doing it have to make a profit - be rewarded for their time, effort and expenses. No one in power would suggest that more taxes pay for it until there is simply no choice left, and then it'll be too late!

The problem with Africa is that most of the aid will end up in the hands (and the pockets) of its dictators and ruling elites. Those who have more power will simply steal it from those it was intended for....

Answer 4

Sure water takes over 30 % of our existing land mass. Where do the people go that were living there? What about the farmland needed to maintain a more condensed population, now covered in water, We may not use all the land above sea level. But we use all that we can. Now take away 30 % of the usable land for crops, and 30% of the land for towns but leave all the people 33% more people in only 60% of the space. And not all of it is habitable. some of it maybe on the side of a mountain. When the water comes it doesn`t care, lowest ground first

Answer 5

Glacier melting and floods wouldn't help if the water shortage is on the other side of the world. Droughts also create water shortages. Where I live there hasn't been much rain since July. We have water restrictions in place because the city is afraid we will run out of water.

Answer 6

There are hardly ever water shortages unless you live in the desert or places that are pretty dry like southern California all the way to west Texas. No it would not be a good thing to have water all around us... im thinking "lost city of atlantis" about all the cities surrounded by ocean. But ocean water can be purified into drinking water so dont worry, youll never go thirsty.

Answer 7

Most of the world's fresh water supply is locked up in glaciers and snow in the mountains. During the winter, glaciers and snow builds up. During the summer, they melt slowly and the water from the melt comes down as streams and rivers. The problem with global warming is that the melting process is accelerated and the build up in the Winter can no longer replace what was melted during Summer. If this continues, there will be no glacier and snow in the mountains in 50 years or so. That means no more water from the mountains and a lot of rivers and lakes will dried up. So while we have excess amount of water right now, eventually we will ran out of fresh water.

Answer 8

There's plenty of water in the world for everyone. The problem is getting enough drinking water or irrigation water to the places where people want to live and work.

If we were smart about it, we would develop large desalinization facilities for people that want to live along the coast and leave the rest of the water for those inland.

If we were REALLY smart, we would live near clean water sources and recycle.

Anciently, when things dried up, people picked up their tents and animals and moved to where there was ample water. When they got to a reliable and ample water source, they chucked the tents and built cities. If the water source went dry, they either abandoned the city or diverted water from elsewhere to meet their needs.

We'll get by. Humans adapt very well. We just tend to whine a lot when we have to do so.

Answer 9

There will always be water shortages, but they move around depending on climate changes. If global warming was real, it could help with droughts by evaporating more water and carrying it to places that need it, but it can also dry out other places. Earth will always seek equalibrium, and there is nothing we can do about it.

Answer 10

Well, mostly it has to do with the cost of filtering and purifying. I'm not entirely sure what the whole process is, nut the less we have to do to purify, the better. Seawater can be filtered, but it's such a long ridiculous process that has to do with evaporation, then purification, and whatnot.

What I want to know is, why isn't snow being harvested for drinking water. All you have to do is boil it. That should make a good amount of water.