Abstract: The Population Program of the National Audubon Society has published an overview of the water supply problems we face and the effect of population growth on these problems especially as they apply to developing countries. Water potential depends on the amount of water available locally or regionally and on the way in which people manage that supply. Improper water management can limit this otherwise renewable resource. For example human activities such as rapid population growth and industrial processes increasingly pollute water supplies. Humans need to value water adequately and to improve water conservation efforts and management. Otherwise the future of life on the planet may be in jeopardy. Business and governments must begin long-term thinking and avoid focusing on short-term profits. Lack of adequate water supplies has already contributed to drought starvation and political chaos in semiarid developing countries. These events will expand unless water crises are addressed. On a global scale inattentiveness to water supplies has already brought about the destruction of wildlife and its habitat contamination of drinking water supplies loss of critical farmland and a declining quality of life. Eventually nature will control the abuses of its natural resources. sustainable development can be achieved however if humans commit themselves to international cooperation population stabilization water conservation and wise management of water and other natural resources. Major subjects included are population and water resources water usage population growth and increasing demand water quality wetlands and estuaries increasing energy demands and recommendations.
Publication Year: 1994
Publication Date: 1994-12-31
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 12
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