Global Water Scarcity
By Javier Guzman
Why is clean water so important?
Clean water is essential for all the life on earth. Every organism on earth requires it for survival. Humans have had an interesting relationship with water. Once agriculture was invented civilizations sprung up around the world. Every ancient culture has sprung near rivers and lakes. From the Aztec Empire that settled a Lake Texcoco to The Mesopotamian Empire who inhabited the region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
Read more here: http://witcombe.sbc.edu/water/history.html
Lake Texcoco
The Aztec Empire ruled Mexico for hundreds of years due to Lake Texcoco. People surrounding the lake and inhabited its islands grew corn to support the civilization.
Tigris River
Sometimes called the "Cradle of Civilization" the Tigris River supported the oldest and most influential society in the world; Mesopotamia.
Nile River
Ancient Egypt was a dominant force in Northern Africa and South West Asia because of the rapid population boom when they learned to harness the power of the water.
Mexico
Water Statistics
- 50%-74% of people in rural Mexico don't have access to clean water
- 76% of water used for agriculture
- Waste water treated at the highest level in Latin America
Egypt
Water Statistics
- Only 80 mm of rain falls a year
- Only 6 percent of the country is arable
- A mass population in the past 20 years has led to the Nile being polluted
Iraq
Water Statistics
- Only 41% of people have access to clean water
- Massive warfare has led to destructive runoff
Polluted lake in Mexico
Polluted river in Iraq
Polluted canal in Egypt
Plastic Pollution Project, an infographic film.