Earth's dwindling Resources:
Staggering Water Shortage:
"South Africa is facing a water crises (1995) of staggering proportions," reports the newspaper The Star. Unless alternative sources are exploited, current water sources will be depleted "within
the next 15 years." One factor is the rapidly increasing population. Low rainfall, about half the world average, is another cause. An unusually high rate of evaporation exacerbates the problem. The largest water-storage dam in the country loses on average 130,000,000 gallons annually through evaporation. The quality of the existing water is also declining as a result of pollution. The Star states: "There are now 12 million people without access to clean drinking water and over 20 million without adequate (water-borne) sanitation."
Water Shortages Looming Ahead:
"Since snow and rainfall are relatively constant, renewable water is essentially finite," notes Science magazine. "By 2025, the number of people living in water-short countries will nudge the 3 billion mark," and already "by 2000, countries in Africa and the Middle East will be especially hard hit."
According to a report from Popluation Action International, many countries are already depleting groundwater supplies,
and a number are failing to distinguish between nonrenewable and renewable water in their long-term planning. Although efforts have been made to improve water supplies, so far they have been nullified by population growth.
What about the Earth's forests?
The Philippines faces total deforestation, warns the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"Population pressures and unsustainable logging practices" are swallowing up more and more of the tree-covered land in the Philippines.
Before the second world war, 60 to 70 percent of the country was covered with forests. Today, only 15 percent is. "By the year 2000,"
reports Update, "the Philippines may become the first Asian country to lose all of its forested land and tree-cover."
If you have more information this or related subjects, please email me here
You can return to Gary's Scenario Page by clicking on this.
Return to Gary's Home Page by clicking HERE
Get your own FREE home page, just click onYAHOO!