And not a drop to drink
Climate Change and how it is likely to affect you
Water is essential for all forms of life. Without water, humans cannot survive for more than 3 to 5 days.
Global warming caused by excessive pollution by greenhouse gases is having a dramatic effect on the climates of countries around the world. Longer, more serious droughts threaten drinking water sources and food availability and have created millions of climate refugees globally. We need to take action now to limit the adverse effects of rising temperatures. Our precious and finite water resources have to be preserved and protected, before it becomes too late. Inadequate wastewater treatment and sewage spillages into rivers and dams further exacerbate the problem of water scarcity in SA and in other countries around the globe.
Water and energy are inextricably linked. Without power, we are unable to pump water to treatment plants, so our drinking water supply is disrupted and wastewater treatment works are unable to operate.
Water is also essential for our economy. Sixty percent of our water consumption in SA is used to irrigate agricultural crops.
A steady supply of water is critical for our mining and steelmaking operations, and for production of paper, sugar, food, beverages, leather, paint and fuel. Sadly, we often use water and power wastefully, and fail to preserve these valuable resources.
The economy of SA is burdened by load- shedding, and the need for increased use of renewable energy has once again been highlighted.
SA is one of the highest emitters of carbon dioxide due to our reliance on coal-fired power stations to generate electricity.
Countries are reducing their dependency on coal and oil, and natural gas and adopting carbon capture and storage as an interim measure to limit green house gas emissions. Greener technologies have to be adopted if we are to preserve our ecosystems.
Less-polluting transport fuels such as bio-ethanol, bio-diesel
and green hydrogen need to be included in our fuel mix, and reliance on fossil fuels reduced. In line with the concept of the circular economy, waste minimization and recycling of water, raw materials, rare elements and other finite resources need to be considered.
Pamela Allison (Pr. Sci. Nat) presented her talk, “Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink” at a U3A meeting recently at the Don Powis Hall, Settlers Park. Allison graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from the University of Natal, majoring in Microbiology and Biochemistry. She then obtained an MDP from the Unisa School of Business Leadership. Pamela moved to Port Alfred in 2009 and lectures part time at Rhodes University in the Biotechnology Innovation Centre.
The U3A hosts regular talks. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, email: rob@crothall.co.za