5.8A - Causes and Pattern of Physical and Economic Scarcity
The causes of and global pattern of physical water scarcity and economic scarcity and why the price of water varies globally.
Physical Scarcity
- This occurs when more than 75% of a country's or region's blue water (liquid, accessible) flows are being used.
- Currently applies to about 25% of the world's population
Qualifying countries are located in the Middle East and North Africa.
Qualifying regions are located in north China, western USA, and southeast Australia
Economic Scarcity
This occurs when the use of blue water sources is limited by lack of capital, technology and good governance. It is estimated that around 1 billion people are restricted from accessing blue water by high levels of poverty. Most of people living in Africa (apart from the north and extreme south). Also parts of continental south-east Asia.
In short, the causes of water scarcity are twofold:
Access to safe, potable water is regarded by some as a human right. In the 21st century, however, it is increasingly being seen as a commodity for which a realistic price should be paid. In the developed world, much of the water supply industry there is now in the hands of private companies. People expect to have to pay for water.
In the developing world, however, the situation is very different. Supplying safe water in areas of physical scarcity can be difficult, costly and well beyond the means of very poor people. This is where charities such as WaterAid provide such invaluable help. Their programmes are helping to reduce the extent of economic water scarcity.
In short, the causes of water scarcity are twofold:
- A lack of precipitation, either annually or seasonally
- A lack of the wherewithal needed to harness the amount of blue water in demand
Access to safe, potable water is regarded by some as a human right. In the 21st century, however, it is increasingly being seen as a commodity for which a realistic price should be paid. In the developed world, much of the water supply industry there is now in the hands of private companies. People expect to have to pay for water.
In the developing world, however, the situation is very different. Supplying safe water in areas of physical scarcity can be difficult, costly and well beyond the means of very poor people. This is where charities such as WaterAid provide such invaluable help. Their programmes are helping to reduce the extent of economic water scarcity.