What is the relationship between population growth, pollution, and water scarcity in
developing countries? How do these factors impact population health? Be specific and
provide examples. Provide examples of international efforts that are aimed at reducing the
negative impact from these consequences.
Relationship between population growth, pollution, and water scarcity in developing countries
The United Nations World Water Development generated a report in 2018 that indicated
that almost six billion individuals are likely to suffer from the issue of water scarcity by 2050.
The scarcity is attributed to increased water pollution, a decline of water resources, and growing
demand for water resources that are all driven with an intense population (Boretti & Rosa, 2019).
It is anticipated that the effect of water scarcity will increase as the impact of the three drivers for
needs, accessibility, and unequal growth are underrated in most developing countries. In essence,
population growth leads to a consequent increase in pollution that compromises sources of clean
water resulting in water scarcity.
Human activities have resulted in a significant effect on the ecological setting because of
rapid urbanization. The impact is more noticeable in water quality owing to urban drainage and
high discharge for municipal wastewater into river basins. In turn, it impacts agriculture and
aquatic life and humans living in those areas. Therefore, the challenge for developing countries is
to address the concern for sustainable development without damaging the natural environment.
For example, relevant agencies should ensure that issues such as water quality degradation and
rapid deterioration are addressed at the points of water intake (Liyanage & Yamada, 2017).
Relevant authorities and stakeholders such as the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature have drafted necessary regulations and rules that take into account
suggested population ranges. The move contributes to the retention of the current population in
specific watersheds without necessarily relocating them for purposes of water quality (Fuller &
POPULATION GROWTH, POLLUTION, AND WATER SCARCITY 2
Harhay, 2010). Additionally, the international efforts aim to address the health effects and the
ensuing politics of the diversions could be complicated, whereas the water policies in the future
both internationally and locally are lacking.
POPULATION GROWTH, POLLUTION, AND WATER SCARCITY 3
References
Boretti, A., & Rosa, L. (2019). Reassessing the projections of the World Water Development
Report. Npj Clean Water, 2(1).
Fuller, A., & Harhay, M. (2010). Population Growth, Climate Change and Water Scarcity in the
Southwestern United States. American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 6(3), 249-252.
Liyanage, C., & Yamada, K. (2017). Impact of Population Growth on the Water Quality of
Natural Water Bodies. Sustainability, 9(8), 1405.