A student researching water has taken notes:
• Only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater • Most freshwater is locked in ice and glaciers • Groundwater supplies are being depleted faster than recharged • Agriculture uses about 70% of freshwater withdrawals • Water scarcity affects billions of people
The student wants to explain the freshwater scarcity challenge.
Agriculture uses approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals.
Freshwater scarcity is critical—only 3% of Earth's water is fresh, most is locked in ice, and groundwater is being depleted faster than nature can replenish it.
Most of Earth's freshwater is locked in ice and glaciers.
Water scarcity currently affects billions of people worldwide.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B. 3% fresh, ice-locked, and depletion rates explain the scarcity challenge.