Water privation entails the insufficient supply of quality water. The commonness of water depletion in many of localities has largely been common, even as this pattern shows clear signs of worsening; future water privation on a global scale is almost a certainty. At this very moment, more than ‘a billion people in developing countries,’ (Siegel, and Talantis (63-64), has access to safe drinking water this has caused economic and water poverty (Lall, Heikkila, Brown and Siegfried 1-17). This trend calls for quick and proper measures to be implemented by various governments and departments that oversee the water supply, to guarantee adequate safe water for all. The most appropriate way of mitigating hardships of water is through integrated river basin management.

Not usually a sensible foreboding. But human’s most grave problem in the 21st century may not be conflicts or famine or illness or even the disintegration of civil stability; it may be the inadequate supply of fresh water. Population increase, pollution of the environment and climate change, all enhancing, thus are expected to unite to present a swift decrease in the supply of water in the near future, according to Lall, Heikkila, Brown, and Siegfried (1-17). Actually, that supply is by now problematic for up to a 30 percent of the world’s population.

Currently, 1.1 billion persons lack access to safe water and further 2.4 billion lack proper sanitation facilities; such populations are found in the developing economies. Yet the reality that these statistics are likely to deteriorate inexorably has not been correctly handled by the world community. In spite of apparent status of the predicament, political dedication to overturn these tendencies has not been in practice (McCarthy 1). Grappling with inactivity at the management level and a globe’s population not properly abreast with the degree of the challenge, the international water privation will reach unparalleled levels in the coming years.  Acute water privation translates to hunger, ill-health and death. MacCathy (1) suggests the report released by World Water Development Report in 2003 confirms an alarming projection. By the mid-21st century, the worst scenario of water scarcity is likely to visit no less than seven billion persons in 60 states, but if the proper policies are implemented this trend may be reversed to two billion individuals in 48 states.

Even though water is an easily accessed stuff on the planet, only 2.53% of it is not salt, the rest is saline. Additionally, of the freshwaters, 65% is frozen and locked up in icecaps and lasting snow cover. What is obtainable, in lakes, aquifers, rivers, and precipitation run-off, is now coming under more and more pressure from numerous directions at simultaneously. Population increase is the prime propeller. The augmenting numbers of humans to over six billion by 2000 meant that the consumption of water nearly doubled in five decades. It is notable, between 1970 and 1990 accessible per capita supply of water decreased by 30% (MacCathy 1). Although birth rates are currently slowing, globe population is still expected to augment by 50% as much for the second time, to almost 9.3 billion persons by 2050.

Demand, actually, comes not merely from the necessity to drink, the need to clean and the demand to handle human waste, significant though comprise these issues; the really enormous calls on the supply of water which originates from industrial sector of the developed economies, and, in the increasing popularity of the agricultural world. Imperatively, watering of crops grown in hot arid lands consumes 70 per cent of the entire water used worldwide. Pollution, from manufacturing industry, farming and not least, sewers, adds another vicious pressure. Close to 2 million tons of human waste are channeled every day into water sources. According to MacCathy (1) one liter fecal material is enough to contaminate almost eight times the volume of fresh water. Currently, reports estimate indicate that all over the world there are close to 12,000 cubic kilometers of wasted water, which is far more compared with the whole amount available in the globe’s ten largest rivers at any particular moment. Nonetheless, it can be noted, if rate of water pollution and population growth increases uniformly, the world will eventually cede 18,000 cubic kilometers of the resource within the next four decades; this will be approximately nine times the volume all countries presently use for watering crops.

All that is not proper; though enhancing the pressure on the supply of water, further is climate change. The effect of climate change as projected by UN scientists is likely to account for almost 20% of the enhancement in water privation. While more precipitation is projected to pound in high latitude regions during winters, such as northern Europe, and Britain, in several drought-prone regions, with an extension to a number of tropical regions, rainfall is expected to decline further. Eventually the quality of water is likely to worsen with increasing levels of pollution and varying water temperatures Siegel, and Talantis (62-65). Additionally, the threat of the global growth of towns: currently, 48% of the Earth’s inhabitants reside in urban areas, and within the next two decades, the proportion is projected to hit a high 60%. Urban areas usually have more easily available clean water supplies compared to rural ones; nonetheless, their challenge is that such township areas concentrate wastes owing to poor sewer systems. MacCathy (1) notes: “Where good waste management is lacking, urban areas are among the world’s most life-threatening environments.”

The gravest, direct repercussions of water privation will apparently affect human health. The availability of clean water can be perceived as both trivial as well as an advantage: Water-related infections are among the most prevalent causes of human ill-health and death. In addition, water-borne diseases, for example gastric infections resulting to diarrhea, are caused by consuming polluted water; vector-borne illnesses, for instance schistosomiasis, and malaria are transmitted by the small snails and mosquitoes that use water as their breeding places. Millions suffer from such infections. In 2000, 2.2 million people were suggested to have passed on due to water and sanitation linked illnesses; about half the number died of malaria. The greater part of the victims was below five years of age. The world’s increasing need for fresh water has also been linked to soaring environmental strain; 60% of the globe’s largest rivers have witnessed their stream flows disrupted by reservoirs and, of the living things that prefer inland aquatic environments, thus affecting the existence of 24% of mammals and 12% of birds.

It is notable, one such agency is the Global Water Partnership (GWP), which was created by institutions like the World Bank and the United Nations (GWP). GWP can provide the technical expertise, advice, and funding sourcing that certain governments may require.

The main technical procedures in IRBM is the restoration of freshwater ecosystems, which encompass re-planting of trees in riparian areas, reconstructing stream waterways form and in-stream ecosystems, removing hindrances or implementing simulations of natural flow systems, reducing eutrophication in large water bodies, restoring water flow to reclaimed wetlands and reinventing native species. Re-establishment of innate uses of land within catchment areas is also another class of activities that is imperative to a lasting program for a deteriorated aquatic system. Some agencies and communities believe that water pollution phenomenon the most effective way to prevent water privation, rather than IRBM, which they say is not realistic and mere paper pushing.

Pollution prevention is the aim of water pollution control, instead of pollution treatment. Pollution prevention and minimization of waste encompass non-technical and technical measures aimed at the prevention of the production of pollutants and waste (Helmer and Hespanhol 1). “It is the conceptual approach to industrial production that demands all phases of the life cycle should be resolved with the aim of minimizing or preventing harm to humans and the environment. This involves the design phase of the product, the selection, fabrication and arrangement of raw materials,” the production and assembly of final products, and the management of all used products after their usability is over” (Helmer and Hespanhol 1).

Siegel, and Talantis (63) suggest that water privation in the future is almost a certainty because of the abuse that our water resources are being subjected to. Right now, more than a billion people are suffering from the gradual depletion of water resources. Despite the fact that the surface of the earth is mostly covered with water, this is not relevant because the issue is the supply of fresh water. The most sustainable and effective way to address the possibility of water privation is through river basin management. It has several stakeholders consisting of international agencies, business, and more importantly, the people themselves who share the water. Some people believe that water pollution control is more effective but this is not the case.

One feasible approach to mitigating the challenges of recognizing non-point source contaminators is to ensure all industries producing diffuse contaminats undertake the implementation of practices and technological innovations that decrease the release of polluting substances into waterways (Siegel, and Talantis 62-65). For instance, all cultivators could grow riparian buffers purposely to help in nutrient filtration or cover crops to decrease leaching. Alternatively, ranchers may opt to protect water ways using fences to restrain livestock dung from being washed to the waterways.

Conclusion

Generally, water pollution control does have its merits, but poses problems like toxicity that could potentially harm the water itself and the species subsisting in it, as well as being very costly. Water pollution control is also part of river basin management, although from a broader perspective. Because of the far reaching scope of river basin management, the perceived disadvantages of water pollution control are mitigated. In fact, water pollution control can only be effective and sustainable if used under the process of river basin management.

Works Cited

Dourojeanni, R. “Water Management at the River Basin Level: Challenges in Latin          America.“2001. Accessed 4 April 2011 from         http://www.bvsde.paho.orglbvsacd/aquaiamer.pdf.

Global Water Partnership. “Strategic Goals.” 2011. Accessed 07 April 2011 from

http://www.gwp.org/eniOur-approachiThe-Global-Context.

Helmer, R., and Hespanhol, 1. “Water Pollution Control – A Guide to the Use of Water    Quality Management Princi ples.” 1997. Accessed 4 April 2011 from

http://www.who.intlwater_sanitation_healthlresourcesquality/watpolcontrol.pdf.

Lall U, Heikkila T, Brown C, Siegfried T. Water in the 21st Century: Defining the Elements      of Global Crises and Potential Solutions. Journal of International Affairs, 61.2    (2008): 1-17.

McCarthy, Michael. Water Scarcity Could Affect Billions: Is This the Biggest Crisis of All?      (Web, March 5 2003). Retrieved from           http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0305- 05.htm

Ramakrishna, V. and Babu, B.V. “Fresh Water Depletion – A Crisis: Causes &    Remedies.”n.d. Accessed 4 April 2011 from http://discovery.bits-        pilani.ac.in/~bvbabulFrshwaterE&P98.pdf.

Siegel, Paul S., and Talantis, Billie S. Water intake as a function of privation interval when        food is withheld. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 43.1 (1950):         62-65.

University of Michigan. “Human Appropriation of the World’s Fresh Water Supply. 2000.

Accessed 4 Apri12011 from http://www.globalchange.umich.

edu! globalchange2/ current/Iectures/freshwater _supply/freshwater.html.Web

World Wildlife Fund. “A Holistic Approach.” 2011. Accessed 7 April 2011 from

http://wwf.panda.org/about_ our_earth/about_freshwater/rivers/irbm/

Fernando Alonso is widely regarded as “the best pound for pound” driver currently in the Formula One World Championship. Over the years since he has been in the sport, he has grown to become an individual who is adored by many but is also hated by others; this disparity is the result of a certain personality traits which are not only conflicting, but are also contradictory with each other like the disparity. The fiery Spaniard, cool to the point of detachment, ruthless, calculating, and loveable are just a few words that could be used to describe Alonso’s personality. These several descriptions fall under a variety of personality components including another possible self, motivation and emotion, temperament, and mental models. The concepts mentioned are interrelated and emerge over time with the development of his personality and his career to complete the equation of his personality dynamic (Hasan, 1997).

Similar to other drivers of this category Fernando Alonso’s motorsport career started at a very young age with go-karts in his home country of Spain. His first experience with a go-kart was a unique one. His father originally constructed a kart intended for his sister of which she had no interest in. The cart was passed down to Fernando who immediately had a liking for it. Although young, the personality component (learned content) for driving karts began to manifest at this stage and would govern his future urges and needs (Lanyon & Goodstein, 1997). Alonso would go on to compete in a number of racing competitions across the world, winning the championship in several of the categories before entering the realm of pro.

According to Erik Erikson emphasis on developmental change, children go through several stages arriving at a stage that begs to question “Who am I?” Clearly, Fernando’s childhood was a key factor in his development in where he was heavily influenced by his handed down gift and competition (Lanyon & Goodstein, 1997). I believe Erikson would have concluded that Alonso’s chosen identity was influenced by his social-cultural climate. Being involved in so many racing competitions staged in different areas created the paved the way to this simple but complex question (Hasan, 1997). Another perspective that can be taken is the Humanistic approach. According to the humanistic perspective “each person operates from a unique frame of reference in terms of building Self Regard or their self concept. Self Concept is one’s own belief about themselves.” (Hasan, 1997) This somewhat egocentric concept highlights the facts that one is free to do as they please according to their own interests. Furthermore “it is based upon the belief that well developed, successful individuals are best placed to make a positive contribution to society.” (Lanyon & Goodstein, 1997) Alonso’s unwavering dedication to his childhood passion is a clear example of this perspective.

A number of variables change when moving into the professional world of Formula One. The physical demands are extreme, the pressure to perform is infinite, the media exposure is constant and overbearing, and the travel to various continents is everlasting (Hasan, 1997). Many enter this world, but very few actually survive. Fernando’s first year in the sport started slowly with no race wins or any championship points. It was not until his third year where he finally picked up his first race win. He picked up further wins in successive seasons and won back-to-back world championships in his fifth and sixth seasons.

McClellands Motivational needs theory is applicable to this stage of Alonso’s career. His model follows the concept “that an individual’s specific needs are acquired over time and are shaped by one’s life experiences.” (Hasan, 1997) Alonso’s early successes in previous categories propelled his motivation to succeed in his professional career, displaying another segment of McClellands theory, the need for achievement. “People with a high need for achievement (nAch) seek to excel and thus tend to avoid both low-risk and high-risk situations.” (Lanyon & Goodstein, 1997) Only part of this theory applies in Fernando’s case. McClelland believes high achievers only choose work between the two spectrums of risk, never the latter.

As I previously stated this world of motorsport is a very elite one with ever pressing variables often times beyond ones control. The feedback he could have received from the individuals closest to him at the time could have had a form of impact on his achievement need. This pressure also contributes to the development of negative personality traits which are eminent from the learning theory and the contingent theories (Hasan, 1997). Among the negative moments, the most prominent moment in Alonzo’s career was in 2006 towards the end of the year. The sheer pressure of performing to win, and the self image contributed to the mental state which Alonzo experienced.

During this time he felt his team did not want him to win the championship. The fear of expulsion emerged from the lack of motivational feedback, coupled with a faltering self image and increased environmental pressure that created subtle fear. The manifestation of that fear could be seen in Alonzo’s feelings of being held back (Hasan, 1997). His tumultuous year at a new team in 2007 and his feelings towards his team, also in 2007 when he ran his teammate of the track at the race in Belgium represent the problems that he had adjusting his beliefs with his environmental image. It can be deduced and observed that the environment in the previous team pushed him to a stature wherein he felt in-charge, however in the new team he had to earn the trust and the respect of his team mates which he failed to do from the beginning.

The environmental factors even then presented a confusing image to Alonzo. In Alonzo’s own opinion, he was a person who could win. This was the behavior which he had learned along with the environmental factors that lead him to believe in the fact that he was not the temperamental Spaniard the world  purported him to be (Hasan, 1997). However, the response from his team mates was against what he had learned as a child according to Erik. As per McClelland’s theory, while the motivation was present Alonzo was unable to access the means as he would need to touch an extreme which was not plausible.

In 2010 Alonzo unsuccessfully tried to move back to his previous team, his character breakdown was prominent near the end of the year when he gesticulated to another player for causing him the championship; all of these are signs of emotional and psychological breakdown. It is apparent that in Alonzo, his alternative self contradicted with the environmental factors, and the lack of positive feedback contributed to the breakdown (Lanyon & Goodstein, 1997). What he had learned in the environment was not supplement by the feedback that he was getting from the environmental variables. This is to say that he was unable to cope with the contingent result and only focused on the perceived outcome.

What can be observed in Alonzo’s personality is how this breakdown could have been avoided with the positive environmental feedback and a controlled self image to the extent of integrating the ability to withstand shock. Also according to Erik’s theory, Alonzo did not recognize the positive environmental feedback; rather, he only regarded it as forced reflection of the self image. The distinction between the environmental feedback and the self image would have enable Alonzo to remain relatively stable even when the feedback was withdrawn. This goes on to show that Alonzo had a dynamic personality; such a personality is prone to drastic changes and fluctuations.

References:

Erik Erikson And Psychosocial Development. (2011). Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Essortment: http://www.essortment.com/erik-erikson-psychosocial-development-50823.html

Hasan, Q. (1997). Personality Assessment: A Fresh Psychological Look. Gayan Books.

Hierarchy of Needs. (2011). Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Hubpages: http://hubpages.com/hub/Humanistic-Theory-Hierarchy-Of-Needs

Lanyon, R. I., & Goodstein, L. D. (1997). Personality assessment. John Wiley and Sons.

McClelland’s Theory of Needs. (2011). Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Net MBA: http://www.netmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/mcclelland/