Future of Freshwater

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Environment

Overview

1. Legal Framework and Jurisdiction
2. About Freshwater

Why in the News?

Freshwater quest, the likely new gold hunt. 

News in Brief

• Never imagine that huge volumes of freshwater exist under the saline ocean.
• In the 1960s, according to a media report, the U.S. Geological Survey drilled boreholes on the New Jersey coast and unexpectedly struck freshwater.
• Similarly, with time, a team of scientists from Vietnam and even in other countries have discovered underwater sources of fresh water.
• For example, a river under the sea was discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea.

Legal Framework and Jurisdiction

• Given the diminishing availability of freshwater, nations are likely to venture into extracting freshwater resources located above or beneath the ocean floor within their maritime territories.
• Over time, this exploration may extend beyond their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) into what is commonly referred to as the Area as outlined in Part XI of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, 1982 (UNCLOS).
• According to UNCLOS, the “Area” encompasses the seabed, ocean floor, and subsoil beyond national jurisdiction and is considered the shared heritage of humanity.
• This designation implies that it is open for the utilization and advantage of all, with consideration for the welfare of future generations.

How does India intervene in the Water Sector?

• Per the Drop More Crop initiative
  • To Improve water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture by promoting micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler technologies through the Per Drop More Crop initiative.
  • Scale up water-saving technologies through targeted subsidies for small and marginal farmers.
• Jal Jeevan Mission
  • It has expanded access to tap connections in rural households, yet there remains a necessity to guarantee the dependability and excellence of water provision by investing in source sustainability and conducting water quality monitoring.
  • These measures are essential for enhancing social, economic, and public health benefits.
• Atal Bhujal Mission
  • Mission seeks to involve local communities in water management efforts, aiming to enhance groundwater management in areas facing water scarcity.
  • This initiative engages communities in developing water security plans to ensure resilience to climate challenges.

About Freshwater

Freshwater is a precious resource vital for various aspects of life, from drinking water to agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Statistics show that the total volume of water on earth is estimated at 1.386 billion km3, where 97.5% is salt water and 2.5% fresh water. Out of this freshwater, only 0.3% is in liquid form on the surface, which means that the rest of the freshwater is underground, including on or under the ocean bed.

Key points about freshwater

• Global Distribution: Freshwater is found in various forms such as rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers. However, only about 2.5% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, with the majority of it locked in ice caps and glaciers or stored underground.
• Water Cycle: Freshwater is constantly moving through the water cycle, which includes processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. This cycle replenishes freshwater sources and distributes water around the globe.
• Usage: Freshwater is used for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, industry, and energy production. Agriculture is the largest consumer, using about 70% of global freshwater withdrawals.
• Challenges: Despite its importance, freshwater resources face various challenges, including pollution, over-extraction, climate change, and habitat destruction. These factors can lead to water scarcity, reduced water quality, and ecosystem degradation.
• Water Scarcity: Many regions around the world are facing water scarcity, where demand for freshwater exceeds available supply. This can lead to conflicts over water resources and have significant impacts on communities, ecosystems, and economies.
• Conservation and Management: Effective management and conservation efforts are essential to sustainably manage freshwater resources. This includes measures like improving water efficiency, protecting watersheds, implementing water recycling and reuse, and promoting policies for equitable access to water.
• Global Initiatives: Various international initiatives, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) – Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, aim to address water-related challenges and ensure access to safe and clean water for everyone.
• Local Solutions: In addition to global efforts, local communities, governments, and organizations play a crucial role in managing and protecting freshwater resources. Community-based approaches, sustainable agriculture practices, and ecosystem restoration efforts can contribute to freshwater conservation at the local level.

Overall, freshwater is a finite resource that requires careful management and conservation to meet the needs of current and future generations while preserving the health of ecosystems.

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