The drastically changing world scenario is creating tidal waves across countries. It is impacting every aspect of life in every corner of the world. While conflicts are taking place all over the globe, there is one element bound to create future tensions. Due to recent environmental chaos, this element will be the starting point of World War III (WWIII). It is water. 

All essential water will be the base for future world trouble and conflicts. And the signs are already around us to be seen. Recently, Europe is facing a drought. The river Rhine was at its lowest. The industries dependent on shipping thus are in deep trouble. On the other side, there is a wet drought in parts of India. Here too much rain is creating havoc everywhere. 

There is no doubt that water will be the basis of WWIII. And the causes or signs are very much apparent. Some signs are: 

FRESH WATER DEMAND IS ON THE RISE.

With the increase in population, it is natural that the water demand will increase. It puts pressure on the water supply. Soon water wars will begin.  

MELTING GLACIERS DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING

Rising temperatures mean glaciers melting at a faster rate and rising sea levels. At one point, glaciers will be no more. Coastal areas have greater chances of going under water. 

 BOREWELLS DEPLETING WATER LEVELS

Low surface water means going deep underneath to get every water drop. It means opting for Borewells and drying aquifers. Presently, fast-drying Borewells means less water for drinking and other use. 

AGRICULTURE GROWTH & RISING DEPENDENT SECTORS MEANS WATER DEMANDS

A rising population needs food. To grow food, water is required. Water is also needed for dependent sectors and drinking. It will result in water wars on a global level. 

ECONOMY & POWER LINKED

The demand for fresh water will reach a high point. There will be a point where water becomes a commodity. Those with high water storage will be in a position to control trade. Controlling world politics and business will be through water.  

FORCED MIGRATION FOR WATER

Water depletion is already happening around the globe. It has forced people to abandon villages and towns in favour of places with water abundance. It has happened in Central & Western Asia and Africa. 

LOW RAINS

Deforestation has had an impact on low rains. Depleting water levels can be called the direct result. The future will see severe water shortages resulting in power play amongst countries for water control. 

WATER POLLUTION

Industrial and other wastes get regularly dumped in the rivers. This pollution impacts the drinking water supply along with water for other purposes. In the future, water pollution will impact life and trade. 

DAMS CREATED FOR WATER & ENERGY SUPPLY

Dams get built to meet the increasing water & energy demands for water. This result in displacement, disruption of ecosystems & subsequent disputes in neighbouring areas and much more. The Panshet Dam disaster of 1961 is a case in point. 

These are the few points laying the foundation of disputes the world over. The chances of war won’t be far off. Water issues are already becoming sore points amongst countries. 

News about China building huge dams on the Brahmaputra is a shock wave in India. It threatens water coming to India, apart from issues like eco-refugees. The 1965 Indo-Pak war had a water angle since Pakistan wanted control over areas with three major water heads. 

The Nile has millions dependent on it in various African countries. It is also in dispute. Ethiopia is claiming geographical rights as 85% of the river’s water is in Ethiopia. Egypt’s capital Cairo is already suffering from water deficiency. A dam on the Nile would create a further issue. Things have reached the level of war. Turkey is another country using water to pressurise other countries over unrelated topics. 

All these points will surely ignite water wars amongst countries shortly. WWIII due to water is a ticking time bomb. Only timely sustainable innovations and an understanding of larger planet good will be able to resolve this issue and save Earth. 

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Disclaimer

Views expressed above are the author's own.

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