Water Resources: Global Challenges and Sustainable Management

This lecture discusses the hydrosphere and the utilization of freshwater, emphasizing global challenges related to water sustainability. It begins by explaining the unique presence of water on Earth and its critical role in supporting life. The instructor highlights the water cycle, the forms of water, and the importance of freshwater for ecological processes. The lecture also covers the distribution and availability of water resources, detailing the significant percentage of freshwater used for agriculture, industry, and domestic purposes. The impact of human activities on the water cycle is examined, including pollution and the effects of climate change. The concept of water footprint is introduced, illustrating how water consumption varies across different regions and sectors. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the need for sustainable water management practices to address current and future challenges, emphasizing the importance of conservation, regulation, and innovative engineering solutions.