It is an undeniable reality that freshwater is one of the crucial resources for the sustaining life on Earth; therefore, its importance is reflected in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6, which specifically focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Despite the fact that approximately 70 percent of the world’s surface is covered with water, only around 2.5 percent of that water is drinkable meaning the rest being unusable for human consumption as well as agricultural and industrial purposes. Only a minor portion (about 1 percent) of the Earth's freshwater resources is usable due to the fact that the majority is stored in ice caps and glaciers. The World Health Organization estimated that nearly 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, while nearly half of the world's population will live in water stressed areas by 2025. Where fresh water becomes increasingly scarce, this is also becoming a major political concern linked with social unrest, regional conflicts, and stressful international relations.
There are tremendous reasons for the depletion of water resources. One of the main causes is that rapid growth in population, especially in the urban area, is raising the demand for fresh water very high. With increasing urbanization, the demand not only increases for more water for domestic consumption and sanitation but also for industrial use. Most urban infrastructures, including water supply systems and sewage networks, cannot keep pace with resultant surges in demand, especially in developing regions and it has brought water shortages, low-quality water, and a general lack of proper sanitation, thereby increasing the incidence of waterborne diseases and public health disasters. In fact, rural-to-urban migration consolidates pressure on the freshwater resource, as people migrate from towns to cities in search of better economic opportunities which puts greater demands on urban water supplies.
Climate change strongly influences the global water cycle, causing radical changes in global temperature as well as precipitation patterns thereby affecting the availability of freshwater. However, such transformation does not affect only natural ecosystems but also implies tragic impacts on human infrastructure since changes in the water cycle can destroy infrastructure that supplied water and thus lead to severe contamination of water sources. For instance, increased frequency and intensity of storms due to climate change can overwhelm sewage systems and result in overflows of pollutants into the drinking water supplies.
In fact, the climate change affects rainfall seasonality and quantity which place many regions in positions of severe drought or flooding conditions. According to the arguments present from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this will continue to increase the length and intensity of droughts in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of the Western United States, while in other areas, it could increase the chances of heavy rainfall events. This variability does not only stress water management systems that are already in place but threatens agricultural productivity as well, thus leading to food insecurity and economic instability.
Glacial melting, which supplies much of the world with freshwater sources, has been on the shrink due to rising global temperatures, hence threatening long-term water supplies. This has caused great anxiety with respect to long-term prospects for the supply of water. For example, the main glaciers in the Himalayas are known to feed the major river systems, such as those of the Ganges and the Indus, and their retreat has accelerated, raising a serious implication for the livelihoods of many millions who depend upon such rivers for their water supply. Since these glaciers are receding, the initial increased river flows can eventually give way to reduced water availability and further stress water resources.
It is worth to mention that agricultural run-off, and poor sewage disposals are some of the contributing factors to the problem. Most of the industries have always been great contributors to the pollution of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies with a wide array of chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic substances. This could be from manufacturing processes, mining operations, or waste disposal practices. This makes them degrade the water quality and creates health risks for both humans and wildlife. Contaminated water has been responsible for many health disorders, including cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems. Another critical contributor for the contamination of the freshwater is agricultural runoff. The water flows off farms after rain, irrigation, or melted snow. The problem is that this runoff can carry pollutants from pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste and seep down into nearby water bodies to contribute highly to nutrient pollution which can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases in humans and animals. In addition, many countries around the world have a situation in the form of deficiency of facility for the treatment of sewage. Most such countries directly discharge untreated wastewater into a nearby body of fresh water. This process leads to contaminated drinking water supplies and the dissemination of many different types of waterborne diseases that include cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. Consequently, the lack of effective wastewater management creates serious public health risks, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and sanitation practices to safeguard communities and their water resources.
The most poignant example of freshwater depletion is that of the Aral Sea, once considered one of the world's largest inland bodies of water, situated between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Because of Soviet-era irrigation projects that had diverted water from the rivers that fed the Aral Sea, it has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s due to cotton farming since cotton was considered "white gold" during the Soviet era, and The Soviet Union pursued a policy of large-scale agricultural development aimed at turning Central Asia into major cotton producers. This has constituted an ecological, economic, and health disaster for the region. For example, there was the collapse of the fishing industry, which had been the heartbeat of the local economy, while toxic dust storms from the exposed seabed widely provoked respiratory illnesses. The Aral Sea disaster manifests a failure in water policies and political decisions leading to the long-lasting devastation of an ecosystem. It also emphasizes international cooperation and sustainable water policy that would avoid such a disaster scenario in other parts.
Fresh water is becoming increasingly threatened, and depletion of this vital resource has grown beyond a purely ecological or economic problem into one that poses significant political challenges, impacting the basics of societal governance, security, and international relations. As the population grows, as well as with the expansion of industries and agriculture, the demand for water resources keeps increasing, thus further solidifying the uncertainty in the supply of this vital resource. Therefore, water security is increasingly equated with national security as the control and distribution of freshwater resources have assumed aspects of survival. The increasing scarcity has transformed this basic need into a strategic asset that is driving competition and conflict across and within boundaries. Globally, conflicts over transboundary rivers, lakes, and aquifers are on the increase, as each country attempts to exert sovereignty over shared water sources. This is further reflected in geopolitical friction in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, where scarce water exacerbates interdependent rivalry among nations and strains state-to-state relations [9, pp. 3-5].
One crucial example of water conflict is the construction of Qosh Tapa Chanal over Amu Darya by Afghanistan in 2022. Amu Darya, the longest river in the region, irrigates millions of hectares of farmland in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Afghanistan, which was not a party to the water allocation treaties of the Soviet era, is implementing measures to improve its water infrastructure with projects like Qosh Tepeh Canal. The canal is supposed to ensure supply of additional water for agriculture; however, Uzbekistan is concerned that this may seriously deplete its water resources, already suffering from climate changes and droughts. A 10-15% reduction could exacerbate the existing 15% loss, potentially leading to severe consequences for agricultural regions like Karakalpakstan and Khorezm in Uzbekistan.
The Southeastern Anatolia Project-known by its Turkish acronym as GAP-is a multi-sector, giant development project launched by Turkey in the late 1970s. Its objective is to develop the country's southeast region. One of the main elements of GAP is the construction of 22 dams and 19 hydroelectric power plants on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; however, it impacts the availability of the water for Syria, and Iraq both of which are dependent upon the flow of the rivers as sources of fresh water, agriculture, and energy. Turkey has just completed major dams-including the Atatürk Dam on the Euphrates, with a capacity of 48.7 billion cubic meters, and the Ilisu Dam on the Tigris River reducing the water flow downstream into Syria and Iraq as much as 40%. The outcome is acute shortages, Syria's irrigated land shrinking about 30 percent over the past decade, Iraq facing a big food security problem because agriculture takes up about 90% of its water usage. The accusations of using water as a geopolitical tool have streamed from both Syria and Iraq during an increase in tensions, when negotiations failed to secure long-term water-sharing deals. This conflict depicts how control of water resources could fuel regional instability that might be further exacerbated due to the disagreements [2, pp. 2-12].
Similar tensions have emerged in Africa over the Nile River, which runs across 11 countries of Africa. In recent years, Egypt and Sudan have been in a political standoff with Ethiopia about Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam-the largest hydropower dam on the Nile. While Egypt receives 90% of its freshwater supply from the river Nile, it expects a diminishment in its water supply due to the dam, whereas for Ethiopia, this is an imperative dam for development and energy production. This conflict constitutes part of the growing tension in transboundary water resources and political issues related to the management of shared freshwater supplies.
Apart from conflict, the shortage of fresh water has caused further undermining of political stability due to migration. According to estimates by the World Bank, water shortage could accelerate migration for 700 million people by 2030. The massive movement of populations in pursuit of moving for water and livelihoods imposes immense stress on the political system, particularly in fragile states. Such large-scale movement often leads to a situation of conflict and unrest. Though the challenges are massive, there are several strategies that can help not only to minimize the effects of water scarcity but also to promote sustainable management of water.
First, transboundary water resources, such as rivers and lakes crossing international boundaries, must be jointly managed and equitably apportioned between riparian states to avoid conflict over access to freshwater. Equitable agreements or treaties in the sharing of water are important in managing shared resources because they highlight clear rules and guidelines on how water would be apportioned, used, and managed among states. Consequently, cooperation on common water bodies does not relate to environmental problems exclusively but also becomes a significant factor in geopolitical stability and regional security.
The most important international framework applied to handle transboundary water issues is the UN Watercourses Convention of 1997. The Convention lays down a legal framework for cooperative management in international watercourses, advancing key principles on equitable and reasonable use and obligations regarding prohibition causing significant harm to other riparian states. It invites states to consult and share relevant data concerning common water resources, carry out environmental impact assessments, and make use of methods for the peaceful settlement of disputes. The convention invites states also to cooperate over common management and development projects to enhance utilization of shared watercourses. However, many countries with transboundary water resources have not ratified the convention yet regardless of the importance of this legal instrument. This in turn circumscribes the global reach and effectiveness of its guiding principles [8. pp. 5-13].
Consequently, governments should pursue proper models for water governance that ensure the sustainable use of the resource through equitable allocation and efficient management. Protection of water ecosystems should be a national policy, accompanied by strict regulation against overextraction and pollution. It also involves setting up clear frameworks in shared water resources among different nations to minimize conflict and maximize cooperation.
Moreover, considering the acute water crisis engulfing the whole world at this point, scholars have associated increased frequency of extreme weather events, risen temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns as direct consequences of climate change that raise chances of drought and increase water scarcity. The adaptation to such climatic changes and consequent changes in water resources requires a multi-dimensional approach.
One of the most progressive steps toward such adaptation involves reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. A reduction in these emissions would significantly lower the rate of increase of Earth's temperature which would alleviate most of the detrimental effects related to water availability. The reduction of the emission of such gases can be achieved through the use of cleaner technologies and methods in transportation and agriculture to manufacturing. This transition is greatly complemented by the diversification of energy resources to include renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. The key features of renewable energy supplies are extremely important in lessening reliance upon sources of energy that produce a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, hence increasing climate change. This will ultimately lower the carbon footprint, while energy security and resilience to climate-related disruptions will increase.
Besides reducing carbon emissions, renewable energy technologies have another significant advantage. They tend to use much less water compared with conventional methods of producing energy. Most conventional energy production, in particular through burning fossil fuels and nuclear, often uses very large quantities of water for cooling and processing, further stressing freshwater resources that are already limited. Renewable energy allows countries to save precious water resources for freshwater uses: drinking, sanitation, and agriculture.
While governments and industries have critical roles in addressing water scarcity, individuals and communities are equally important in water conservation. The combined daily behaviors by people can substantially influence general ways in which water is used and specifically aid in reducing pressures on freshwater resources. Therefore, establishment of public awareness campaigns to inform people about the need for water conservation is necessary. These campaigns can inform and educate people about the urgent need to conserve water and the practical steps they can take to make a difference in their daily lives. For instance, government funded events and workshops regarding how to conserve water may be arranged at the community level to make people more aware and responsible. In this regard, it is relevantly essential to engage the contributions of local schools. Indeed, children can be taught ways of water conservation through educational programs so that it inculcates good habits from an early age and stands as an advocate for their families and communities on issues relating to water use in a sustainable manner. By instilling in them a sense of ownership and responsibility toward water resources, future generations will go better equipped to meet the challenges arising due to water scarcity. Consequently, such efforts help nurture the culture of responsibility and stewardship by letting people be more appreciative of this valuable resource
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1. The Politics of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) – an Ethiopian Perspective. ACCORD, February 8, 2022. - https://www.accord.org.za/analysis/the-politics-of-the-grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam-gerd-an-ethiopian-perspective/
2. Al-Madhhachi, A. T., Rahi, K. A., & Leabi, W. K. Hydrological Impact of Ilisu Dam on Mosul Dam; the River Tigris  // Geosciences, 2020, 10(4), p. 120. - https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences10040120 
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Summary. Ecologically, economically, and politically interrelated crisis is looming because of fresh-water scarcity. The growing population and rapid urbanization increase demands for this vital resource. Climate change further worsens these challenges by changing precipitation patterns and putting at risk the ecosystems supporting freshwater supplies. Furthermore, improper handling and utilization of water resources through industrial runoff along with poor sewage systems-make the already existing situation much worse.
The examples of water conflicts-related to the Aral Sea, the Nile, and various transboundary rivers of Central Asia-sharply emphasize the urgent need for cooperative governance in equity management of shared water. Adequate frameworks, such as the UN Watercourses Convention, should be ratified and put into practice to enable cooperation among riparian countries in the avoidance of disputes. The role of individuals and the community in water conservation is also crucial. These public awareness and education campaigns can instill a sense of responsibility and sustainable utilization that will so prepare the future generations to address the challenges put forward by water shortage.
The over-exploitation of freshwater resources demands a holistic approach involving sustainable management practices, technological innovation, and international cooperation. By embedding water security within the notion of national security, societies can work toward safeguarding this essential resource for all, thus ensuring its availability for future generations.
 
                                                 
Резюме. Из-за нехватки пресной воды надвигается экологически, экономически и политически взаимосвязанный кризис. Растущее население и быстрая урбанизация увеличивают потребность в этом жизненно важном ресурсе. Изменение климата еще больше усугубляет эти проблемы, изменяя характер осадков и подвергая риску экосистемы, обеспечивающие запасы пресной воды. Более того, неправильное обращение и использование водных ресурсов за счет промышленных стоков, а также плохие канализационные системы значительно ухудшают и без того существующую ситуацию.
    Примеры водных конфликтов, связанных с Аральским морем, Нилом и различными трансграничными реками Центральной Азии, резко подчеркивают острую необходимость совместного управления в справедливом управлении общими водами. Соответствующие рамки, такие как Конвенция ООН по водотокам, должны быть ратифицированы и реализованы на практике, чтобы обеспечить сотрудничество между прибрежными странами во избежание споров. Роль отдельных лиц и общества в сохранении воды также имеет решающее значение. Эти кампании по информированию общественности и просвещению могут привить чувство ответственности и устойчивого использования, что подготовит будущие поколения к решению проблем, возникающих из-за нехватки воды.
    Чрезмерная эксплуатация ресурсов пресной воды требует целостного подхода, включающего методы устойчивого управления, технологические инновации и международное сотрудничество. Встраивая водную безопасность в понятие национальной безопасности, общества могут работать над защитой этого важного ресурса для всех, обеспечивая тем самым его доступность для будущих поколений.