Problem 1: What factors are working together to create the global water deficit? Give a brief overview of at least 4 factors.
Problem 2: Using China and India as case studies, describe (a) the causes and (b) consequences of groundwater depletion. Describe the data for how the water table is dropping in these countries; what is the ultimate cause of depletion? How is this trend impacting agriculture, crop harvests, water costs, and pumping technology?
Problem 3: Why do the economics of water use not favor farmers? What are cities doing to meet their growing water needs? What is a major consequence of "water wars" between agricultural and urban interests?
Problem 4: Regions with less than 500 cubic meters of water per person suffer from hydrological poverty and face the risk of conflict, or "water wars". Describe the kinds of conflicts that are occurring over scarce water resources (at least 3), and what groups are in conflict. Give one case history of conflict between nations over water.