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To what extent are water conflicts the result of globalisation? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 5
To what extent are water conflicts the result of globalisation?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent are water conflicts the result of globalisation? - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Assessing the Knowledge of Water Conflicts
Answer
Water conflicts arise from various factors, including political, environmental, and economic elements. Understanding the nature of these conflicts requires a detailed exploration of how globalisation influences water resources. For instance, transnational corporations (TNCs) often extract water resources, leading to local depletion, which can spark conflicts. In India, the case of Coca-Cola in Utter Pradesh highlights how corporate water extraction diminishes local water supply.
Furthermore, research on the Tibetan Plateau underscores how globalization impacts local water resources, with international interests often compromising local needs.
Step 2
Evaluating Globalisation's Role
Answer
Globalisation has a multifaceted impact on water conflicts. It can exacerbate existing tensions by prioritizing profit over resources. For example, in regions where TNCs operate, such as in Chile with copper extraction, water scarcity has worsened. Globalisation tends to benefit wealthier nations and corporations while disenfranchising poorer communities.
Additionally, global economic policies and decisions in far-off places can influence local conflicts. For instance, in Gaza, water scarcity is deepened by political decisions on resource management, with global influences playing a significant role.
Step 3
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while it is evident that water conflicts can stem from local issues, globalisation significantly influences their occurrence and severity. The interplay between local resource needs and global demands suggests that globalisation is a crucial factor in water conflicts. To assess the extent of its impact, one must consider the varied influences—political, economic, and environmental—that arise from such interconnectedness.