BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

ENVIRONMENT, SCARCITY OF WATER AND VIOLENT CONFLICT: A STUDY IN THEIR LINKAGES

Author: Narottam Gaan

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888BIISSj2001v22n2a4

ABSTRACT

The fresh water resources and the related environment of the world are under enormous stress. The growing population and industrial development based on extraction of fossil fuels have degraded water and other renewable resources. The demands on fresh water are escalating to the extent of making it environmentally scarce to millions. Though there has never been wars over water, intra-state conflicts or disputes between or among states are frequent and likely to increase with the environmental scarcity or degradation of water. After a long debate. discussion and analysis of environmental issues. it is widely acknowledged that environmental scarcity or degradation of renewable and non-renewable resources can play a major and definite role in local. regional and even international disputes. Not all water resources disputes will lead to violent conflict but in certain regions of the world water is becoming increasingly scarce and important for economic and agricultural production. and the probability of water related conflicts is also increasing.