Study of the Factors Contributing to Freshwater Reduction and Its Consequences

Abstract

In a world where urbanization, industrialization, and agriculture are rapidly expanding, the protection of natural water resources seems nearly impossible, and the issues of water pollution and salinity have become increasingly severe. Natural resources are among the blessings that must be used wisely to protect and improve human living standards. The aim of this article is to identify the causes of freshwater reduction, promote optimal and rational use of water resources, and examine the amount of available water on Earth, the limitations of water resources, and the negative impacts on the economy, culture, and social issues. The research method used in this study is qualitative, with data collected through a library-based approach and analyzed descriptively. The results show that water holds a special place among natural resources, as it is neither degradable nor renewable. Moreover, water is a vital resource for human societies and plays a crucial role in the economies of countries. The results also indicate that water consumption in agriculture is significantly higher than in industrial and urban sectors.