A new study suggests water shortages could trigger unrest within national borders in the Middle East over the next 20 years.
Another problem related to water supplies is the movement of people from rural areas the cities. This migration, he says, further reduces groundwater supplies and increases tensions among ethnic or national factions.
"The first thing is to understand that there is a problem. The principal problem, the real problem, is access to water within countries," says Alterman. "Countries' water resources are going dry. It requires individual national governments to think not only about supply but also of ways to diminish the demand for water."
Solutions
The Center for Strategic and International Studies study suggests governments consider using treated wastewater for irrigation. The study recommends that countries impose strict water pricing systems and offer incentives for conservation. It will be also crucial to educate people about appropriate use of water.
According to Alterman, Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, will run out of groundwater in 2017. If serious action is not taken, he predicts political and social unrest will result.
Gen. Anthony Zinni, former commander of the U.S. Central Command, argues global cooperation is needed to prevent instability in Middle East over water shortages.
"This needs to be a global issue, not just an individual country issue," says Zinni. "I do think there have to be regional approaches and regional strategies. I know some have advocated very specific, small number of strategies, maybe one for every nation or society. I don't think that will work. These water resources span a number of societies. These are regional and maybe super-regional issues."
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2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27
2013-11-27