the activities
Scarcity of Water Leads to Tribal War (Water Shortage Can Lead to War) Description: Students will research and understand how lack of water becomes a security issue and can lead to violence and war. Students may video tape a debate on the topic. Go directly to:
Students will begin to change their thoughts about the global issues concerning water scarcity by becoming more familiar with the conflicts of the world. Students will have the opportunity to become a change agent – changing the way others view our use of water and our responsibility as citizens of the world to protect it for our future. Depletion of water resources contributes to a 'tribal war' for water. Water is crucial to the all development. Because of the increase in the world's population, water resources are limited. The security of these resources has changed as well. According to a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) it is projected that by the year 2025 that water scarcity will cause more than 350 million metric tons of lost food production globally. [This figure is slightly more than the entire US gain crop currently produced.] It is estimated that by the year 2025 (according to the report "No Water, No Future: A Water Focus for Johannesburg") more than 3 billion people will face water scarcity. Lack of water, lack of access to water, and poor management of water resources all contribute to this growing, global problem. Are issues of water quality and water distribution so critical? Yes. In fact, the United Nations recently declared water scarcity and water quality to be among the world's most serious threats to peace. The UN ranked these issues alongside nuclear proliferation and terrorism. How could this be? Put it into perspective: The attacks on the United States in September of 2001 affected each American in some way, large or small. We must think about the most basic of all things - life. And what is basic to life? Water. If we are to accept the seriousness of the problem regarding water in the United States and in the world, we must look to become more understanding, more sensitive to these issues to enact change in ourselves, and others. Through the readings and activities included, you will become agents of change. You will share your knowledge with others and begin to take steps to promote change in your community, and other areas of your interest. Water scarcity is no longer a problem of locality - it is a global situation that requires immediate attention. Become an expert in this global issue. To do so, you will need to read a variety of articles and reports that describe the problem in detail and demonstrate your knowledge through practical application of this information. World's Water Supply World's drinking water running out http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/world/americas/566809.stm Half the world's population could lack sufficient fresh water as supplies continue to dwindle, according to research in the United States. Water Scarcity and Agricultural Production The report drawn up by the World Commission on Water for the 21st Century says "the arithmetic of water simply does not add up". http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/671800.stm Crops watered by irrigation systems vs. Rain fed crops - irrigation systems produce more crops and yield more food, but at what cost? Read this article published by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization. http://www.fao.org/news/2000/000306-e.htm Water Rights This excerpt is from a UN Declaration from the Economic, Cultural and Social Rights Committee - "The human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, affordable, physically accessible, safe and acceptable water for personal and domestic uses." Read more about this declaration and what it means. UN Consecrates Water As Public Good, Human Right GENEVA, Nov 27, 2002 (IPS) - The United Nations Committee on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights issued a statement Wednesday declaring access to water a human right and stating that water is a social and cultural good, not merely an economic commodity. Water Wars In the first of a three part series, the BBC's Paul Welsh assesses the risk the potential for wars over water. His first stop is in Israel. http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/677547.stm Water wars and peace http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/world/from_our_own_correspondent/596039.stm Middle East correspondent Paul Adams examines the crucial importance of water in the tense and increasingly thirsty region. 1. In an essay answer the following questions:
2. What is our entitlement to water? 3. What are we as inhabitants of the Earth truly entitled to? 4. Do you believe that water scarcity, water rights, and water wars are issues that the general population should be concerned about? Why or why not. At the state and local level, these global issues are still present. Ownership and usage rights have become increasingly essential as a result of growing pressure on North Carolina's water supplies.
2. To whom does the water off the NC Coast belong? 3. What are point sources? 4. What agency is responsible for regulating wetlands? 5. You withdrawal 9,999,999 gallons of surface/ground water on a given day. Do you have to report it to the NC Environmental Management Commission? Why? 6. Name one capacity use area. Wars over water may become more prevalent than once thought. UN participation to enact peace agreements and maintain governing documents for global resources is critical in the harmony of the world's people. There is no one thing that can be changed to stop people from fighting over such a precious resource. However, education is our best defense against such situations. To apply what you have learned, set up a mock debate over the issues of water scarcity on a global level. In written form or in a video production conduct the debate regarding the issues above - beginning with local and state issues and moving towards global issues to include war and peace. You must be able to make clear arguments for either side through continued research on the topics provided:
2. Our water supply is dwindling at an unprecedented rate. If we do not respond to these issues on a global level, we will all face the consequences.
Contact a local Law Firm and interview several lawyers to find out about local cases dealing with water issues. Are they experiencing an increase in these kinds of cases? Are they prepared to? Internet Resources Law information www.findlaw.org NC Water Law http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/bae/programs/extension/publicat/arep/waterlaw.html UN Water/International Law Information http://www.thewaterpage.com/pat_wouters1.htm
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