The term “water conflict”, refers to a conflict over water between two or more countries. This term also applies to a debate over the access of water between groups of people.

It sounds crazy to think that people today fight over water. It is said that the next war won’t be caused due to money or hate, but due to water scarcity.

Since humans all require water to survive, it makes sense as to why water conflict occurs, especially because the earth is running out of water as we speak.

Although there is currently less water than there has ever been before, there has even been water conflicts over the past 6,000 years. A water database, the Water Conflict Chronology, which has been created by the Pacific Institute, remains updated about the most water stress countries in the world. It also records the different conflicts that are experienced throughout the world at this given moment.

A More Severe Water Conflict

Some water conflicts are subtle and settled quickly, while others result in major disputes over freshwater, as well as saltwater resources. The fact that freshwater, which is needed for all life to sustain itself, is spread out between countries and needs to be shared, often ignites conflict as it is required for irrigation, energy generation and used as potable water.

The worst water conflicts occur in the Middle East, due to the countries, especially war-related countries, not having enough water supply. Since there is less water in these countries, water is more expensive. This ignites war on its own, apart from the many other reasons why war and conflict exist in the Middle-Eastern region.

Another major water conflict which has occurred was the Rwandan genocide, as well as the Sudanese Darfur war. These two water conflicts have been marked as some of the worst in the world, killing scores of people in Africa.

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