According to the Water Footprint Calculator my water footprint is 2,575 gallons per day and according to the water footprint network my water footprint is 919 cubic meters a day. My water footprint was slightly over the U.S. average.Jordan has a total water footprint of 8,300 million m^3/year and a water footprint per capita of 4,600 litre/day which is equivalent to 1,215 gallons.
I think this large difference in water consumption is representative of how individuals in the U.S value water in comparison to individuals in the middle east. In the U.S there are few issues that cause the overall population to consider the importance of water consumption, however in countries such as Jordan there is no option to think about these impacts, it impacts everyday life. Jordan has experienced water scarcity for a few different reasons starting all the way from 1948 as a result of the Arab-Isreali war. There are many other factors that impact Jordan's lack of water such as population growth and climate change. Each of the above factors mentioned impact the lives of Jordanian people in many ways. For instance, climate change impacts food and agriculture that is available to the people. This also has a strong economic impact, for the average household this will have a direct affect because as water scarcity fluctuates the cost to bring clean water to individuals homes has to also fluctuate. For the country as a whole this water scarcity causes them to depend heavily on imported goods for basic needs that cannot be met simply by their own natural resources.Most of these issues that Jordanian citizens will encounter specifically as a result of water scarcity, most U.S citizens will not have to consider.
As a U.S citizen I can personally say that I do not consider water consumption simply because in my experience it has not been stressed as an important issue to constantly consider. When I looked closely at my footprint I noticed that alot of my water consumption is taken up by uses that in other places probably would not be considered a necessity. For example, frequent shopping, overuse of shower time and frequency of washing clothes really made a difference in my footprint.
In terms of International Relations I think this should spark concern in countries that are not affected. Seeing how water usage is such a crucial issue in the ways that we over use water, it is unimaginable to think that people are lacking water simply for vegetation and cleaning purposes. At some point, if not already this could be considered a humanitarian issue that should concern other states. Looking at this report of how much water I consume makes me reconsider how my lack of concern for natural resources contributes to a bigger picture.
I really like what you said about how we value water vs. how many people in the middle east value water. That definitely factors into how much water is used, as well as the obvious reality of scarcity in general. As well, I realized that a lot of my foot print was made up of activities that I could really do without. The activity was eye opening for me as well. I see you carrying a gallon jug of water to class sometimes, something I do as well to stay hydrated. It's kind of crazy to think how easy it is for us to pick up a gallon of water from the D den on the way to class compared to the sacrifices some people in other environments might have to make to get that same gallon. Interesting post for sure
ReplyDeleteOh that's why people carry the gallon jug of water around. I finally figured it out. Thanks!
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