Water Scarcity and Global Migration

By: Iqra Tanveer

Countries with ample water resources also face issues regarding water scarcity. Water scarcity is a limited access to safe and clean water for drinking or practicing other hygiene activities like washing, cleaning and health care. When water is scarce, a threat of diseases and pandemics becomes more common, sewerage systems also collapse and at the hands of unhygienic conditions, the world becomes more vulnerable to contracting resources, large migrations, wide displacement of human beings exposing the regions to not only climate changes but also security threats, disruption in the state systems and infrastructure.

Almost two third of the worlds’ population faces water scarcity, two billion people reside in state with adequate supply of water. By 2040, it is expected that half of the worlds’ population would be facing extremely high water stress. Given the challenges of population growth, over usage of water, growing population and changes in weather patterns due to global warming, many states, rich and poor worldwide are facing the increasing challenges of water scarcity in 21st century.

Water scarcity is generally divided into the types; physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity.

Physical water scarcity is the result of a regions demands outpacing the water resources out there. 1.2 billion people around the world live in physically water scarce regions, many of which are arid or semi-arid regions. It is expected to grow to extreme lengths and become more unpredictable, given the population growth and climate change on Earth.

Economic water scarcity is majorly due to a lack of infrastructure and poor management of water resources. 1.6 billion people face economic water scarcity, there is usually sufficient water resource to meet the human and environmental needs, but the access is limited. Management and underdevelopment are major causes to a loss of water, it may be polluted, unsanitary for human consumption and also results in the unregulated water use for agriculture or industries. Economic water scarcity is a combination of multiple factors but the root cause can be connected to the undervaluing of water as a finite natural resource by human beings.

In addition to the prior mentioned causes of water scarcity, the redirection of rivers, pollution of rivers and lakes for irrigation, industrial waste and municipal uses also result in significant environmental haram and might also lead to collapsing ecosystem ultimately. A classic example of this is the Aral Sea, the fourth largest body of inland water that over the years has shrunk to a fraction of its original size because the redirection of its inflowing rivers for agricultural irrigation.

With the increasing water scarcity, problems for fair allocation of water resources will also increase. States may be forced to choose between agricultural, industrial or environmental interests. Chronic scarcity will eventually result to forced migrations leading to domestic or regional conflicts, particularly in geopolitically fragile regions.

Water scarcity is a major driver of global migration. When people lack access to clean and safe water, they are often forced to leave their homes in search of better opportunities. This can lead to a number of problems, that may include;

Migrants often end up in overcrowded and impoverished communities, where they have limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and housing. This can make it difficult for them to improve their lives and escape poverty. Water scarcity can also lead to social unrest and conflict, as people compete for scarce resources. This has been seen in a number of countries around the world, such as Somalia and Syria. Migration can also put a strain on the environment, as people put pressure on natural resources in their new homes. This can lead to deforestation, water pollution, and other problems. Migrants are often at risk of a number of health problems, such as diarrhea, cholera, and malnutrition. This is due to their lack of access to clean water and sanitation.

Globalization is the increasing interconnectedness of people and cultures around the world. It is driven by a number of factors, advances in technology; technological advancements have made it easier and cheaper to communicate, travel, and transport goods across borders. This has led to increased trade, investment, and migration between countries. Economic liberalization; governments have reduced trade barriers and opened their economies to international investment. This has made it easier for businesses to operate across borders and has created new economic opportunities. Political cooperation; international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, have facilitated cooperation between countries on issues such as trade, development, and environmental protection.

Globalization has had a profound impact on the world. It has led to increased economic growth, poverty reduction, and the spread of knowledge and technology. However, it has also led to increased inequality, environmental degradation, and the erosion of national sovereignty. Globalization has increased global migration in several ways.

Globalization has led to the creation of new employment opportunities in different parts of the world. This has encouraged people to migrate to countries where there is a higher demand for their skills and labor.

Globalization has made it easier and more affordable for people to travel and communicate across borders. This has made it possible for people to more easily consider and pursue migration opportunities.

Globalization has led to the relaxation of some political barriers to migration. For example, many countries have signed agreements that allow their citizens to move freely between them.

Globalization has made people more aware of different cultures and lifestyles around the world. This has increased the desire of some people to experience new cultures and live in different countries.

As a result of these factors, the number of international migrants has increased significantly in recent decades. In 2020, there were an estimated 274 million international migrants worldwide, up from 153 million in 1990.

The impact of globalization on global migration is complex and multifaceted. While globalization has created opportunities for some migrants, it has also posed challenges for others. For example, many migrants face discrimination and exploitation in their new countries. Additionally, globalization has led to the concentration of migrants in certain regions, which can put a strain on local resources and infrastructure.

Overall, globalization has had a significant impact on global migration. It has increased the number of migrants worldwide, and it has also changed the patterns of migration. The impact of globalization on migration is likely to continue to be significant in the years to come.

The effects of water scarcity on global migration are likely to become more severe in the future, as climate change is expected to lead to more droughts and water shortages. This means that it is important to take action to address water scarcity and reduce its impact on migration. Some possible solutions include:

Governments and international organizations need to invest in water infrastructure, such as dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems. This will help to improve access to water for people in water-scarce regions. We all need to play a role in conserving water. This means using water efficiently in our homes and businesses, and supporting policies that promote water conservation.

We need to protect our water resources from pollution and overexploitation. This means reducing our reliance on chemicals and pesticides, and managing our water resources sustainably. By taking action to address water scarcity, we can help to reduce its impact on global migration and create a more sustainable future for all.

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