GEF

Unit 1  |  Why Water Matters 37 ASSESS YOUR UNDERSTANDING 1. What is virtual water? a. Water in the desert b. The amount of water used to produce a product or service c. Water that has been used by humans d. Water with a high salt content 2. Who were the first people to develop irrigated agriculture? a. Chinese b. Egyptians c. Americans d. Sumerians 3. The definition of salinization is: a. Buildup of salt in the soil that makes it sterile b. Water that has been used by humans c. Water that is non-renewable d. Plant or animal that is not native to where it now lives CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING 1. List at least three daily activities that depend on water. 2. Give an example of how water has played a role in the rise and fall of at least one civilization. 3. What is one important challenge of water sustainability in the developed world? 4. How do population growth, increased consumption, and climate change contribute to the global water crisis? 5. Why are aquatic ecosystems important? 6. What is the triple bottom line of water sustainability?