The Future of Water

Erratic weather and climatic changes globally indicate that we are living in unknown times.

The globe continues to experience harsh hot conditions and intense rainfall patterns. These changes in weather patterns have affected individuals from different nations. Farmers have a hard time due to low agricultural production, and city dwellers now have to pay double due to increased food prices.

Countries are currently experiencing water scarcity which only grows worse with increasing population. The existing freshwater resources are at risk of overexploitation and pollution. That’s why the future of water is in danger There is a need to come with solutions to deal with the water scarcity crisis.

Water scarcity presents new global challenges

The most common issues in the future of water are rising conflicts between nations and changes in human patterns of migration.

Statistics depict that 60% of the population in the world resides in areas where water is scarce. Changes in the weather pattern have interfered with patterns in hydrology. Semi-arid and arid regions are the most affected due to high evaporation rates yearly.

There is the likelihood that future generations will experience serious consequences associated with
water scarcity. Our actions today are determined to have a significant impact on generations to
come.

Conventional and Unconventional Water Resources

There are various methods used in harvesting water.

The most common are rivers, rainfall, snowfall, and groundwater. According to the UN, these water sources have undergone exploitation, and the demand now exceeds water supply. Unconventional methods of
harnessing water proposed aim to fill this gap. However, these methods remain untested.

Some of these proposed unconventional methods are tapping moisture from the air and water collection from the fog. These methods involve the use of advanced technology and technological innovations. These techniques target micro-scale production.

The unconventional methods of harvesting water work on the principle of reusing water. Municipal city water, as well as agricultural water, can be treated and reused for domestic and commercial purposes.

Another source of water targeted by scientists is desalinated water. Desalination allows for the removal of salts and minerals from seawater to be reused.

Relatable organizations can also venture into water transportation from icebergs and ballast water from cargo ships and ship tanks. These practices only exist in theory, thus the need for more research on these methods.

Groundwater is estimated to generate an estimated volume of 16-30 million km³. Atmospheric water, on the other hand, is estimated to create 13 million km³ volumes of water. The UN proposed that water can also be harvested through technology from the atmosphere emanating from evaporation from plants, seas, dams, and oceans.

Seawater is also estimated to hold 1.35 billion km³. The UN has a sustainable vision of accessing and tapping into water sources.

The Way Forward

It is almost impossible to develop future projections regarding the fate of unconventional methods of harvesting water.

Conventional methods have proven to provide for and sustain communities. They have been adequate for the past 6000 years. Accessing unconventional water sources seems like an impossible mission. However, the success of these techniques may meet the water demand.

There is limited information regarding these techniques. Due to this little research on unconventional methods, it is
impossible to quantify the exact length of how they will meet the demand.

It is thus essential to prevent overexploitation of water resources, especially in dry areas. These methods will go a long way in saving people’s livelihoods, developing economies, and developing communities. It is therefore essential to adopt strategies that can correct this predicament and deal with barriers at hand.

A Strategic Approach

A strategic approach when dealing with the water crisis should address issues and barriers arising from unconventional methods. The strategic approach ought to magnify the already existing water resources with unconventional techniques. The focus should be on how to make unconventional water resources dominant points of discussion.

This approach allows for the availability of enough support, particularly when it comes to water
management in arid and semi-arid areas. The duties and responsibilities of water-related
professionals and water institutions should be made clear. The strategic approach also creates
room for accountability and eradicates bureaucracy.

The other strategic approach makes it easier to understand the economics of these techniques.

There is a need to understand and develop both the social and economic costs of each unconventional method. The adoption of alternatives is also essential in the initial phases of the plan. The right personnel is vital in this strategic approach.

The personnel of choice should have enough skills and be able to adapt to environmental and economic tradeoffs. The UN cannot achieve the sustainable vision without help from the private sector.

Input from the private sector is mandatory in meeting this agenda. Communities should also participate in projects that solve the water scarcity crisis. Since the proposed methods are still in their early stages of infancy, there is a need for proper funding to cater to scientific research and expound more on the potential of these unconventional methods of water resources.

Conclusion

It is without a doubt that history has revealed the robust nature of water.

Effective control of water supply can initiate cooperation, unity and address people’s ways of living. Water is a great
tool that enhances both international and cross-boundary cooperation which improves food production.

Various nations have utilized water to promote development and aid in adaptation due to climate changes. The UN intends to use unconventional water resources as tools to promote the Sustainable Development Goal.

The UN’s cry has reached policymakers and water-related professionals globally. Professionals and policymakers have accepted and embraced the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. Nations are on the move to see a monopolization of water and come up with new ways of dealing with the water scarcity crisis.

This age is commonly referred to as the age of “circular economy.” Individuals from across the globe continue to join these campaigns, making them more and more radical. Collaborations are essential in driving this agenda.

Additionally, collaborations allow for young professionals, policymakers, water experts, practitioners, and individuals in the private sector to come together and implement this plan. Social media has proven to be one of the most effective tools to make known and fuel this agenda to masses across the globe.

As we go deeper into this agenda, we will explore the plans of the UN and other collaborators regarding utilization and researching unconventional water sources.

We have aimed to inform you of everything you need to know every step of the way. We also understand the role of water in our livelihoods. With the current erratic patterns and agendas, you may be curious to know what tomorrow will be like!