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Water access, use and security
Guiding questions
• What issues of water equity exist, and how can they be addressed?
• How do human populations affect the water cycle, and how does this impact water security?
Contextual Learning
Contextual Learning
You are part of a team of environmental consultants competing for funding to improve water security in a specific region. Your task is to research water scarcity issues in your assigned location and develop a proposal to present to an international funding agency. The goal is to make a persuasive case for why your proposed strategies should receive financial support.
1. Research water security and scarcity
Use the syllabus statements above as a guide to understand key concepts. Think about what affects water availability, how human activity impacts water security, and what solutions are already being implemented.
2. Research your case study
What are the main causes of water scarcity in this region?
Who is most affected?
What solutions are already in place?
How is climate change influencing water security here?
3. Develop a funding proposal
Your team will design a proposal for two concrete, fundable strategies that would improve water security in your location. Your proposal should include:
The Problem – A brief summary of the water security challenges in your location.
The Solution – Two realistic, impactful strategies that could be funded.
The Cost & Feasibility – A rough idea of how much funding is needed and why the strategies are practical.
The Impact – How your strategies will improve water security for people, ecosystems, or industries.
4. Choose a funding agency
Decide which international agency or organization you will pitch to. Options include:
UN-Water – Coordinates global water policy and supports sustainable water management.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) – Funds projects related to climate resilience and water sustainability.
The World Bank Water Global Practice – Supports large-scale water security projects worldwide.
A Regional Development Bank (e.g., African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank) – Funds water infrastructure in specific regions.
5. Prepare and deliver your pitch
Your team will present your proposal in a five-minute pitch to the funding panel. Your aim is to convince them that your strategies are necessary, effective, and realistic.
Water Security Strategies
Water Security Strategies
Possible Solutions
Possible Solutions
Increasing Water Supply
Constructing dams and reservoirs
Implementing rainwater catchment systems
Building desalination plants
Enhancing natural wetlands
Water Conservation at the Domestic Level
Water metering
Water rationing
Grey-water recycling
Low-flush toilets
Rainwater harvesting
Water Conservation in Industry and Agriculture
Using greenhouses that recycle harvested rainwater
Implementing aquaponics systems (combining fish and vegetable production)
Using drip irrigation systems
Growing drought-resistant crops
Switching to vegetarian food production
Evaluation Factors
Evaluation Factors
Effectiveness & Impact
Does it significantly reduce water consumption or improve water availability?
Is it a short-term or long-term solution?
Does it work in different climates or only in specific conditions?
Economic Considerations
How expensive is it to implement and maintain?
Who pays for it (government, businesses, individuals)?
Does it save money in the long run, or is it an ongoing cost?
Environmental Impacts
Does it protect or restore natural ecosystems (e.g., wetlands, rivers)?
Does it have negative environmental side effects (e.g., habitat destruction, pollution)?
Does it improve biodiversity or support sustainable land use?
Social & Ethical Factors
Does it fairly distribute water among different groups (e.g., urban vs. rural, rich vs. poor)?
Could it lead to conflicts over water use?
Does it require behavior change from the public? How easy is it for people to adopt?
Infrastructure & Practicality
Can it be easily implemented with existing infrastructure?
Does it require significant changes in laws, policies, or regulations?
Is it scalable (can it work in both small and large communities)?
Resilience & Adaptability
How well does it handle extreme weather events (e.g., droughts, floods)?
Is it future-proof against climate change and population growth?
Can it be combined with other strategies for a greater impact?
HL Only
HL Only
The HL-only content in this unit is quite similar to what you cover in SL and elsewhere in the course. This is an opportunity to practice independent study skills using resources such as Mr G and InThinking. How can you learn to 'draw the panda' for this part of the syllabus?
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