Which of the following is true of the availability and consumption of water?
A) Only one percent of the earth's fresh water is available for around seven billion people.
B) The world's demand for water has decreased by 20 percent over the last half century.
C) By 2030, total global water supply will meet about 90 percent of the demand.
D) By 2050, about five percent of the population is projected to be living in areas with severe water shortages.
E) The developing world has more access to fresh water than industrialized nations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option A is the only true statement. While around 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, only 2.5% of it is fresh water, and out of that, only 1% is readily available for human consumption. This small fraction of water must meet the demands of the world's growing population, which is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This is a concerning issue, and it highlights the need for responsible water use, conservation, and management.
Option B is incorrect, as the world's demand for water has increased due to population growth and changing consumption patterns.
Option C is also incorrect, as water demand is projected to outstrip supply in many regions, especially in developing countries with large populations.
Option D is partially correct, as projections suggest that water shortages will become increasingly prevalent in the coming decades, with an estimated 4.8 billion people living in areas with water scarcity by 2050.
Option E is incorrect, as developed nations typically have better access to safe water and sanitation services compared to developing nations, where millions of people lack access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.

Which of the Following Is True of the Availability and Consumption