Global patterns of water security
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the inequalities in global water security and the impacts of water insecurity on people and economies.
Key learning points
- Globally, there are areas of surplus (security) and deficit (insecurity), and inequalities in access to water.
- Water insecurity has impacts on people when they use polluted water or contract waterborne diseases.
- Water insecurity has impacts on the economy including food production and industrial output.
- There is potential for conflict where demand exceeds supply.
Keywords
Water security - the reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods and agricultural or industrial production
Water insecurity - when water availability is not enought to ensure the population of an area enjoys good health and earnings; caused by lack of suppy or poor water quality
Waterborne disease - disease transmitted in contaminated water; contracted by bathing, washing, drinking or the consumption of infected food, e.g. cholera
Water conflict - dispute between regions or countries about the distribution and use of freshwater
Common misconception
Water insecurity is due to lack of rain.
Water insecurity may be the result of physical water scarcity, though a water deficit may be due to high population density or use of large volumes of water for industry.
Teacher tip
There are lots of links between this lesson and the next (Water resources: demand and supply) meaning there will be opportunities to reinforce new terminology.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
Q2.Which part of the world has the most access to clean water?
Q3.What do high-income countries tend to do more than low-income countries?
Q4.What is a key reason why some areas have water scarcity?
Q5.Which country is a major exporter of oil?
Q6.Which factor does not affect access to food?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the following:
Q2.Which of the following best describes a country with high water security?
Q3.Which idea challenges the belief that water insecurity is always caused by lack of rain?
Q4.What is one likely economic impact of water insecurity?
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Global patterns of water security, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Global patterns of water security, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 geography lessons from the Global pattern of water resources unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.