The World's Water Crisis

The world's drinking water is under threat from climate change and rising demand. The challenge is compounded by the increasing need for water in industry, agriculture, and a growing population. To address this issue, a combination of new technologies and ancient knowledge is being utilized to protect freshwater reserves sustainably. The balance between evaporation and precipitation is being disrupted by climate change, as a warmer climate leads to more water vapor entering the atmosphere. This instability in global temperatures poses a significant risk to the drinking water supply. It is important to note that only a small fraction, 0.3%, of the Earth's water is accessible to humans for drinking, with the majority stored as ice or snow in mountainous regions and at the poles. Society should consider the value of nature and make informed development decisions, rather than relying solely on scientific answers. Analysis of measurement data has revealed increased snowfall and the impact of melting glaciers on water supply.

Effective management of rivers and open spaces can help replenish groundwater. Allowing rivers to overflow and creating open spaces can contribute to refilling aquifers and maintaining a natural water cycle. On the other hand, human interventions such as canalizing rivers and disrupting natural courses can result in water scarcity and coastal hazards. Surprising discoveries have been made regarding the presence of saltwater and freshwater layers beneath the subsoil, which are likely remnants of ancient floods. The primary objective of the research expedition aboard the German vessel Zona is to explore uncharted freshwater deposits near coastal regions that are grappling with water scarcity. To locate potential freshwater reservoirs beneath the seabed, scientists employ electromagnetic measuring techniques. A device affectionately known as 'the pig' emits electromagnetic waves deep into the ground and gauges changes in conductivity to deduce the presence of freshwater deposits. Alongside electromagnetic measurements, the team conducts various experiments on the ship, such as collecting water samples, utilizing seismic devices, and analyzing sediment cores. Coastal areas rely on reverse osmosis technology to produce drinking water. Reverse osmosis plants currently supply 60% of the water consumed by the Maltese population.

However, there are challenges to overcome, including energy consumption and the disposal of concentrated brine. Desalinating seawater serves as Malta's safeguard for survival. The existing plants have been meticulously designed to cater to the island's drinking water requirements for the next two decades. However, the process of producing fresh water through reverse osmosis demands ten times more energy compared to utilizing natural water resources, which impacts the cost. In the fight against drought, ancient water systems are being reconsidered for potential use. Further research is necessary to develop systems that can effectively mitigate the effects of prolonged drought periods. Population growth and urban development have led to water-related challenges in various regions. In the Andes, ancient water management techniques were utilized by the Inca's predecessors. They constructed intricate channels in the mountains to divert water from natural stream beds. This redirected water seeps into the ground, nourishing water-bearing rock layers and eventually emerging as springs kilometers away. In Malta, groundwater is trapped underground and does not flow out. Fresh water may be contained in water pockets, but further research is necessary to comprehend these groundwater deposits on the seafloor. Understanding the dynamics of groundwater bodies is essential for sustainability and ensuring water supply in the future amidst climate change. Water conservation and global cooperation are vital in preventing water sources from running dry. The impact of climate change on the cost of living for people in different regions underscores the necessity for interdisciplinary solutions and collaboration across various disciplines.