Population and water resources: a delicate balance

Popul Bull. 1992 Nov;47(3):1-36.

Abstract

PIP: Various avenues exist to minimize the effects of the current water crisis in some regions of the world and the more widespread problems that will threaten the world in the future. Active management of existing water resources and a reduction in population growth in water-scarce areas are needed to minimize the effects of the water crisis. National boundaries do not effect water systems. Cooperation and commitment of local, national, and international governments, institutions, and other organizations are needed to manage water systems. Development in each country must entail conscientious and effective balancing of unavoidable manipulations of the land and the unavoidable environmental impacts of those manipulations. The conditions of environmental sustainability must include protection of land productivity, ground water potability, and biodiversity. Humans must deal with these factors either by adopting methods to protect natural systems or by correcting existing damage and reducing future problems. They need to understand the demographic forces in each country so they can balance society's rising needs for clean water with the finite amount of water available. Factors affecting future needs at all levels include rapid rural-urban migration, high fertility, and changing patterns of international population movement. Given an increased awareness of global water systems, demographic trends, and active management of resources, the fragile balance between population and water can be maintained.

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Agriculture*
  • Asia
  • Asia, Western
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Demography*
  • Developed Countries*
  • Developing Countries*
  • Disasters*
  • Economics
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Environment
  • Environmental Pollution*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic*
  • Geography
  • Health Planning Guidelines*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • International Cooperation*
  • Israel
  • Organization and Administration
  • Population
  • Population Dynamics*
  • Seasons*
  • Social Sciences
  • Urban Population
  • Urbanization*
  • Water Supply*