is not only limited, but unevenly distributed across the globe. With increasing population growth, the amount of available freshwater per person is decreasing (UNEP 2019a). Conflicts take place over access to water and its use, and the number of such conflicts may increase (Goldenburg 2014; Gleick 2019; National Geographic 2019).
Precious water resources are being polluted through the dumping of garbage, discharging of untreated wastewater, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, mining, and oil and gas extraction (WWF 2019b). Groundwater comprises a much larger freshwater volume than surface water. Some major aquifers are threatened by poor management, which can lead to unsustainable water withdrawal, groundwater pollution and saltwater intrusion (UNEP 2019a) (Figure 1.7).
Figure 1.7 Freshwater Accessibility Source: WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) (2017)