What how the global water demand will

What ishappening?? One of the most abundant and reliable resources is Water, andCanada holds about 7% of the world’s freshwater supply, which can be soldacross our borders. ? Occasionally, Canada exports water to other countriesincluding America, China, and the UK to fulfill their immediate need. ? But to make it an ongoing process, we need a legal system totreat it as “ goods,” just like we do with oil and wheat. When did thisstart?? Exporting icebergs for drinkable water is not a new concept. ? In fact, this is one of the many schemes made to obtain thisvaluable resource for those who require it. ? The proposals for achieving this idea has been around for asearly as the 70s.

Where isthis issue occurring? O It is occurring in Canadaspecifically in Newfoundland where most of Canada’s icebergs are found. O In Canada, the provincialgovernment of Newfoundland has issued an export license for icebergs since1999. O 90% of Newfoundland’s icebergsoriginate from the glaciers of western Greenland, and the rest comes fromCanada’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Why isthis happening?> The economy will also grow asa result of rapid population growth, which means there will be more shortage ofwater.

> Also, climate change can sooncause more people to face water scarcity in the coming future.> As you can see in the chart tothe right, predictions have been made about how the global water demand willincrease in 2050. What iscontroversial about this issue?? Canada is open-handedly givingaway freshwater to foreign countries, which isseen as environmentally irresponsible. ? People are contradicting this bysaying that Canada should take advantage of its abundant supply of water byselling it for profit.

? Public reaction and the politicalenvironment would likely prevent the export of water even if it were economically possible. ConsequencesPoliticalWithout an export policy, water isexported from Canada to fulfill the need of countries requiring it. SocialIt would affect the jobs of thepeople who are involved in the water harvesting and bottling water industry. EnvironmentalLarge-scale water removal of waterwill negatively affect ecosystems, increase pollution and harm plants, animals,& communities.

Examples:* Marine life* Commercial fishing,* Tourism and recreation;* Change in local weather patternsand long-term climate. Economical Giving the exact amount of costinvolved in export is difficult. Only a single iceberg-towing vessel can costabout $75, 000 a day. SolutionsWe can make changes in individual, community, and national level. Individuals can reduce water consumption by takingshorter showers, closing taps after use, etc. Communities can also worktogether in water conservation projects to spread awareness about water usage.

Together they can share their knowledge with other countries around the world. Canada should make a policy to share this supply with deprived nations, whichwould be profitable, reasonable, and long-lasting. This way, we can aim tosustain this precious resource for the upcoming generations.