Although water covers approximately sixty-seven percent of the Earth's surface, less than three percent is fresh water. Accounting for fresh water locked in glaciers, icecaps, or otherwise inaccessible, less than a tenth of a percent of the Earth's water is available for human consumption. Pollution, population growth, and wasteful irrigation practices they are contributing to a worldwide water shortage. When the clear precious liquid becomes scarce, countries begin to assert claims on fresh water supplies. As a result, drinkable water has become a region of conflict that could eventually lead to greater hostilities between nations. In order to combat this issue many countries are adopting water conservation and security solutions. The United Nations has implemented programs to combat potential issues that could lead to violence.
What is the main idea of this passage?
A)It is important to conserve water because only 3% of the water on earth is drinkable.
B)China's population suffers from water shortages.
C)Most fresh water is "locked" in glaciers and ice caps.
D)Water is limited and shortages will likely lead to conflicts.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The main idea of this passage is that water supplies on earth are limited and shortages are likely to lead to hostilities and conflicts. Although countries such as the United States have ample sources of water, in others, like China, water is scarce. When two or more countries disagree about water rights, conflict emerges. The United Nations has implemented programs to combat water-related violence between countries.

Although Water Covers Approximately Sixty-Seven Percent of the Earth's Surface