DVA4804
Assignment 6 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, Climate Change and Water Security in the Global South: A Critical Analysis of
Key Challenges
1. Introduction
Many countries in the Global South are facing serious problems caused by climate
change, especially when it comes to water. Rising temperatures, long droughts,
sudden floods, and irregular rainfall have made it harder to access clean and safe
water. These changes in the climate are putting pressure on rivers, lakes, and
groundwater sources. While all countries are affected by climate change, the Global
South is hit harder because of weak infrastructure, poor governance, limited financial
resources, and social inequality (Mwasha et al., 2021; Nguyen et al., 2023). As a
result, finding long-term solutions is difficult. This essay explores and critically
explains the main challenges that these countries face when trying to manage the
effects of climate change on water. It uses examples and evidence from recent
academic studies to show how water insecurity is deeply linked to wider
environmental, political, and economic issues in the Global South.
2. Structural and Infrastructure Challenges
Many countries in the Global South lack the basic infrastructure needed to manage
water resources effectively. Outdated dams, irrigation systems, water treatment
facilities, and distribution networks often cannot cope with the increased pressure
caused by climate change. For example, prolonged droughts followed by flash floods
overwhelm stormwater systems, while rural communities frequently lack boreholes or
pipe networks entirely (Mwasha et al., 2021).
Urbanisation adds further stress. Informal settlements are growing rapidly around
cities, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where water infrastructure is
already strained (Arku & Marais, 2021). These unplanned settlements usually
develop without formal water connections, making residents more vulnerable during
extreme weather events like droughts and floods.
Moreover, government funding for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades is
limited. Water losses through leaks and inefficient systems are high. Countries like
Zimbabwe and Malawi have reported water losses of up to 50% due to old pipes and
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 6 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, Climate Change and Water Security in the Global South: A Critical Analysis of
Key Challenges
1. Introduction
Many countries in the Global South are facing serious problems caused by climate
change, especially when it comes to water. Rising temperatures, long droughts,
sudden floods, and irregular rainfall have made it harder to access clean and safe
water. These changes in the climate are putting pressure on rivers, lakes, and
groundwater sources. While all countries are affected by climate change, the Global
South is hit harder because of weak infrastructure, poor governance, limited financial
resources, and social inequality (Mwasha et al., 2021; Nguyen et al., 2023). As a
result, finding long-term solutions is difficult. This essay explores and critically
explains the main challenges that these countries face when trying to manage the
effects of climate change on water. It uses examples and evidence from recent
academic studies to show how water insecurity is deeply linked to wider
environmental, political, and economic issues in the Global South.
2. Structural and Infrastructure Challenges
Many countries in the Global South lack the basic infrastructure needed to manage
water resources effectively. Outdated dams, irrigation systems, water treatment
facilities, and distribution networks often cannot cope with the increased pressure
caused by climate change. For example, prolonged droughts followed by flash floods
overwhelm stormwater systems, while rural communities frequently lack boreholes or
pipe networks entirely (Mwasha et al., 2021).
Urbanisation adds further stress. Informal settlements are growing rapidly around
cities, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where water infrastructure is
already strained (Arku & Marais, 2021). These unplanned settlements usually
develop without formal water connections, making residents more vulnerable during
extreme weather events like droughts and floods.
Moreover, government funding for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades is
limited. Water losses through leaks and inefficient systems are high. Countries like
Zimbabwe and Malawi have reported water losses of up to 50% due to old pipes and
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
