When major rivers flow through multiple states or countries, and water shortages affect a region, conflicts can develop. The Colorado River supplies essential water to seven US states, plus Mexico. Jordan River water is vital to Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Disagreements about water allocations and environmental damage in both river basins will eventually require tough decisions and alternative strategies.
In the Andes Mountains today, water managers are using both ancient and modern approaches to improve supplies of this vital resource. Novel methods, including those based on Indigenous knowledge, are needed to help meet the challenges of population growth and a warming climate.
Achieving water security has been a challenge throughout human history. Now, an astonishing two-thirds of the global population is projected to have difficulty accessing potable water by 2025. Energy and clean water production are correlated, and fortunately intelligent people are currently exploring options to harness the power of the sun to reduce water shortages.
