International Law and Efforts to Mitigate Freshwater Scarcity

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Date

2021-05-14

Authors

Qureshi, Waseem Ahmad

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon School of Law

Abstract

Water scarcity—shortage in the availability of water—is an impending global crisis. Climate change continues to reduce precipitation rates, which leads to a lower amount of water in rivers. An increase in global population further aggravates the crisis by reducing the overall per capita availability of water and putting increased pressure on available freshwater resources. In particular, groundwater tables are decreasing in many regions of the world, especially in Pakistan, India, and California. In addition, factories are dumping untreated industrial waste directly into fresh watercourses, which further reduces the availability of clean drinking water. This situation calls for the international community to take strong measures to ensure sustainable drinking water for everyone. This Article will include an overview of the existing situation regarding freshwater scarcity around the world. Furthermore, this Article will provide an overview of the recommended steps to mitigate water scarcity–related threats. Lastly, this Article will discuss the suggestions provided by international conventions to mitigate the problem of water scarcity.

Description

38 pages

Keywords

Water law, Water pollution, Climate change

Citation

22 Or. Rev. Int'l L. 109