South Asia is the worst region in the world for water scarcity, with 347 million children under 18 exposed to high or extremely high water scarcity1.
Most water in the Indus, which flows west from Mount Kangrinboqe, comes from the snows and glaciers of the Himalaya, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush1.
Most of those glaciers are now shrinking due to climate change, and the Indus will reach “peak water” by 20501.
Humans already use 95 percent of the Indus, and the population of the basin is growing fast1.
The main causes of water pollution are industrial development, urbanization, population growth, and environmental pollution21.
Poor domestic management of water resources and lack of sanitation facilities have led to poor water quality and health problems23.
Geopolitics and a history of cross-border disputes have limited regional cooperation on water issues24.
Write 4-5 sentences
summarizing the main points about water scarcity in South Asia:
1. South Asia is the most affected region by water scarcity, with 347 million children facing high or extremely high water scarcity.
2. The Indus River, a major source of water for the region, is predominantly fed by the melting snow and glaciers of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush.
3. Climate change has caused the shrinking of these glaciers, leading to concerns about the availability of water in the Indus by 2050.
4. Over 95 percent of the available water in the Indus is already being used by humans, and the region's growing population adds to the strain on water resources.
5. Water pollution in South Asia is primarily caused by industrial development, urbanization, population growth, and environmental pollution. Poor water management and lack of sanitation facilities also contribute to water quality issues and health problems.
6. Geopolitical tensions and historical disputes have hindered regional cooperation on water-related issues in South Asia.