Significant Ideas
The supplies of freshwater resources are inequitably available and unevenly distributed, which can lead to conflict and concerns over water security.
Freshwater resources can be sustainably managed using a variety of different approaches.
Knowledge and Understanding
Access to an adequate freshwater supply varies widely.
Climate change may disrupt rainfall patterns and further affect this access.
As populations, irrigation and industrialization increase, the demand for fresh water increases.
Freshwater supplies may become limited through contamination and unsustainable abstraction.
Water supplies can be enhanced through reservoirs, redistribution, desalination, artificial recharge of aquifers and rainwater harvesting schemes. Water conservation (including grey-water recycling) can help to reduce demand but often requires a change in attitude by the water consumers.
The scarcity of water resources can lead to conflict between human populations, particularly where sources are shared.
Applications and Skills
Evaluate the strategies that can be used to meet an increasing demand for fresh water.
Discuss, with reference to a case study, how shared freshwater resources have given rise to international conflict.
Guidance
Consider examples of unequal distribution and inequitable supply.
Key Vocabulary
XYZ
Textbook Reading and/or Activities
Pages 207-213
To do (p.208)
ToK (p.210)
To think about (p.211)
Case Study (p.212-213)
Notes
i-Biology Notes (Not available)
A detailed set of notes, created by Stephen Taylor, examining U1 - U8 and A1 - A4.
i-Biology Study Questions (Not available)
A series of questions, created by Stephen Taylor, to help check your understanding of the IB learning expectations. This is VERY GOOD practice.
Bioknowledgy Notes (Not available)
A detailed set of notes, created by Chris Paine, examining all of the IB learning expectations.
Bioknowledgy Study Questions (Not available)
A series of questions, created by Chris Paine, to help check your understanding of the IB learning expectations. This is VERY GOOD practice.
Learning Activities
This article, published by the BBC on Mar.23, 2015, outlines a deal made between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan regarding a mega-dam project that is currently underway in Ethiopia.
This resource, prepared by the Nile Basin Initiative, introduces the Nile Basin region and some of the challenges faced by its 11 member countries.
Supplemental Reading
This video examines the tension that exists between the nine countries through which the Nile River flows and how the Nile's water is to be shared.
Should Watch Videos
This video examines the reality of excessive ground water extraction all over the planet and the potential issues this may cause.
This video examines the issue of water scarcity and the realities that must be faced in order to protect the "common good", ensuring that all humans have access to fresh water as a human right.
Must Watch Videos