GEF

Unit 4  |  The Global Water Crisis 91 About one-third of the Earth’s population suffers from lack of access to clean fresh water. In many regions, people are forced to rely on polluted and unsafe water sources, placing a severe burden on health and limiting opportunities for economic development. Surface water, groundwater, and aquatic eco- systems are under heavy pressure as populations grow and people appropriate growing amounts of water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Climate change is also altering the supply and distribution of fresh water. In this unit we will explore how these factors are coming together in a global water crisis that is beginning to spark conflicts between people around the world. THE BIG IDEA UNIT 4 SELF-ASSESSMENT Before beginning this unit, consider what you already know about the global water crisis by completing this self-assessment. For each statement below, rate your current level of confidence with understanding sustainable water concepts. NOT CONFIDENT SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT CONFIDENT I can describe the global water crisis, peak water, and their causes. ❍ ❍ ❍ I can explain how water scarcity contributes to urgent health problems in the developing world. ❍ ❍ ❍ I can explainat least twowater conservation tools. ❍ ❍ ❍ I can describe how climate change is contributing to the global water crisis. ❍ ❍ ❍ I can explain how water scarcity is contributing to international conflict and cooperation. ❍ ❍ ❍ I can describe how economics is influencing water use and giving rise to newwater challenges ❍ ❍ ❍