The Importance of Freshwater
Freshwater is essential to human life and the survival of many organisms in our planet. It is used for drinking, irrigation, industry, and transportation, among other purposes. However, only a small portion of the world’s water is freshwater, and even less of it is accessible and safe for human use. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the sources and distribution of freshwater and to protect and conserve these resources for future generations.
The Top Rivers for Freshwater Supply
Rivers are one of the primary sources of freshwater, as they carry water from the mountains and the rainforest to the oceans and lakes. Some of the largest and most important rivers in the world in terms of freshwater supply are the Amazon River, the Congo River, the Nile River, and the Yangtze River. These rivers provide water for millions of people and support diverse ecosystems that host thousands of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Which River Provides 20% of the World’s Freshwater?
The river that provides 20% of the world’s freshwater is the Amazon River. It is the largest river in terms of discharge and the second-longest river in the world after the Nile River. The Amazon River originates in the Andes Mountains of Peru and flows through Brazil, Colombia, and several other countries in South America before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon River basin covers an area of almost 7 million square kilometers, which is about 40% of South America’s total land area.
Location and Route of the River
The Amazon River flows through several biomes, including the Andean cloud forests, the tropical rainforest, the cerrado savanna, and the Amazonian floodplain. It is fed by thousands of tributaries, some of which are as large as major rivers in other parts of the world. The Amazon River is navigable for large cargo ships for about 1,600 kilometers from its mouth, and many cities and towns along its course rely on it for transportation and commerce.
Characteristics of the River
The Amazon River is known for its turbidity, which gives it a brown color due to the high concentration of suspended sediments. The river also has a high biodiversity, with more than 5,000 fish species and over 1,000 bird species recorded in the Amazon basin. The Amazon River is also an important carbon sink, as its wetlands and forests absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Economic Importance of the River
The Amazon River supports several economic activities, including fishing, agriculture, and mining. The river basin is home to millions of people, many of whom depend on the river for their livelihoods. The Amazon River is also a source of hydroelectric power, with several dams built on its tributaries. However, the economic development of the region has also led to environmental degradation, deforestation, and pollution.
Environmental Significance of the River
The Amazon River and its surrounding ecosystems are critical to the global climate and biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest, which covers most of the river basin, is the largest tropical forest in the world and a vital carbon sink. The river and its wetlands also support a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. Protecting the Amazon River and its ecosystems is crucial for mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
Threats to the River and its Ecosystem
The Amazon River and its ecosystems face several threats, including deforestation, agricultural expansion, mining, oil exploration, and infrastructure development. These activities can cause soil erosion, water pollution, habitat loss, and carbon emissions, among other environmental impacts. Climate change is also affecting the Amazon River basin, with more frequent droughts and floods that can disrupt the river’s flow and affect the livelihoods of millions of people.
Efforts to Protect and Conserve the River
Several initiatives and organizations are working to protect and conserve the Amazon River and its ecosystems. These efforts include establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, monitoring water quality and wildlife populations, and supporting indigenous peoples and local communities. International agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity also recognize the importance of the Amazon River for the global environment and aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.
Implications of a Decrease in Freshwater Supply
A decrease in freshwater supply, whether due to climate change or human activities, can have severe implications for human health, food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Water scarcity can lead to conflicts and migration, as well as affect the quality of life of people who depend on freshwater for their basic needs. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that freshwater resources are managed efficiently and sustainably and that measures are taken to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion: The Need to Preserve Freshwater Resources
The Amazon River is one of the most important sources of freshwater in the world, supporting millions of people and hosting diverse ecosystems that are critical to the global environment. However, the river and its ecosystems face several threats from human activities and climate change. Therefore, it is essential to protect and conserve these resources, promote sustainable development, and ensure that future generations have access to clean and safe freshwater. By working together, we can preserve one of the world’s most significant natural wonders and secure our planet’s future.
References and Further Reading
- WWF. (2021). Amazon River. Retrieved from
- NASA Earth Observatory. (2021). Amazon River. Retrieved from https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/world-of-change/Amazon
- FAO. (2019). The State of the World’s Forests. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/state-of-forests/en/
- UN Water. (2018). The United Nations World Water Development Report 2018: Nature-based Solutions for Water. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000261500
- WWF. (2021). Freshwater. Retrieved from
