Page 145 - READING COMPANION TO ENGLISH EXAMS

8.4 GLOBAL ISSUES

Water Crisis: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

Water scarcity is a complex global issue characterised by a shortage of fresh, clean water resources to
utterly meet the needs of a region’s population and ecosystem. It is a multifaceted challenge with
(1)
(2)
significant social, economic, and environmental implications. Its causes include population growth, climate
change, poor water management, and conflicts. First and foremost, water scarcity jeopardises human
health, as it leads to an inadequate supply of clean water. This results in waterborne diseases such as cholera
and dysentery, which inordinately affect children and the elderly. Furthermore, it can also cause poor
(3)
(4)
sanitation since people may resort to using contaminated water sources for their daily needs. In agriculture,
a major water consumer, reduced crop yields and food insecurity are the main concerns. Farmers may struggle
to irrigate their crops, leading to potential food shortages. Economically, on the other hand, industries reliant
(5)
on water deteriorate, and the cost of water rises for households and businesses. In addition, some of the
(6)
environmental repercussions are habitat loss, declining biodiversity, and harm to aquatic ecosystems. The
(7)
(8)
future outlook is bleak, with the situation expected to worsen due to continued population growth and climate
change. A coordinated global effort is required to root out water scarcity, ensure equitable access to clean
(9)
water for all, and protect freshwater resources. Sustainable water management practices, water conservation,
and international cooperation to manage transboundary water resources must be phased in (10) over the next
few years.
a Choose the correct meaning of the highlighted and numbered words and phrases in the
passage.
1. A by a great number of people 6. A to have the right to use something
B to the whole amount or extent B to make progress in a short time
C on or to all sides of something C to become progressively worse
2. A having many different aspects or features 7. A a reason or explanation for something
B able to be used for a variety of purposes B a bad and unintended result of something
C important and having a value that will last C the cause of an event or phenomenon
3. A in a particularly unusual or remarkable way 8. A unlikely to have a favourable outcome
B without thinking carefully about the results B good at judging people or situations
C to a degree going beyond reasonable limits C used or seen too often to be interesting
4. A an extreme fear of contaminated objects 9. A to discuss an issue theoretically
B the practice of maintaining hygiene B to make something known in public
C the lack of cleanliness in public spaces C to identify and get rid of a problem
5. A to bend or break because of flood 10. A to gradually introduce and implement
B to supply land or crops with water B to make a profitable investment plan
C to use land in order to grow plants C to help something to happen or develop

b Complete the sentences with the correct forms of the words given below.
deteriorate irrigate
bleak inordinately sanitation
1. As there is a growing demand for agricultural production in the face of climate change, efficient and
sustainable practices are vital for coping with water scarcity.
2. The audience in the conference hall gazed at the projected scenarios when climate
scientists presented their latest shocking findings on rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
3. Governments implemented strict measures to public spaces and limit the spread of the
virus, indicating the importance of international cooperation in managing health crises globally.
4. The amount of plastic waste accumulating in our oceans has become a serious issue,
so immediate and coordinated efforts are necessary to address its environmental and ecological
consequences.
5. The of diplomatic relations between major powers has disrupted collaborative efforts to
tackle urgent challenges like nuclear proliferation.
144
Ortaöğretim Genel Müdürlüğü Öğretim Programları ve Ders Kitapları Daire Başkanlığı