CK12 Earth Science

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

Figure 21.15: The states and Canadian Provinces surrounding the Great Lakes have created
a pact to control water in the lakes, preventing other states from over-draining the lakes. ( 9 )


Some of today’s greatest tensions are happening in places where water is scarce. Water
disputes are happening along 260 different river systems that cross national boundaries
including water disputes between:



  • Iraq, Iran, and Syria

  • Hungary and Czechoslovakia

  • North and South Korea

  • Iran and Syria

  • Israel and Jordan

  • Egypt and Ethiopia


International water laws, such as the Helsinki Rules, help interpret water rights among
countries.


Lesson Summary



  • Water is a renewable resource, but it is not unlimited. Humans are limited to less than
    one percent of the water on Earth. Also, water is not evenly distributed across the
    globe.

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