002 - Conflicts at the international scale
Syllabus Point
Discuss (AO3) an example of an international conflict related to freshwater.
Key Terminology
Define the key term below using your textbook 'IB Geography. Course Book' by Nagle and Cooke and the command terms in the classroom.
- Discuss
Activity One - Case Study
Image One - Article About International Conflict
Article to Read - International Conflict
We will be focusing on the Colorado River which flows through the USA and in to Mexico as our example for an international conflict that has occurred due to access of freshwater. The Colorado River is one of the most litigated rivers in the world and as a consequence water has not flowed into the Gulf of California for over 30 years. Northern Mexico relies on a the USA to manage the water effectively and to pass on high quality water to sustain the wildlife of the Delta.
The Task
- Your task is to develop a case study which discusses the issues of an international conflict related to freshwater.
- There are two aspects to this task; one to research and the other to present the findings to the group.
To do this you will be divided in to two teams. The first team will focus on the causes and consequences of the conflict. The second team will focus on the success and failures of the management schemes to reduce the conflict.
- Below are a number of clips and articles to start your research off.
- Record your research in shared googleslides.
- The presentation can be no more than 5 minutes long.
Useful Resources - Conflict
Watch and read the following articles which outline why the USA and Mexico are in conflict over the water flowing through the Colorado River.
- Basic Information - Colorado River
- History of the Conflict
- Transboundary Water
- EDF - Restoring the Colorado River Delta
Useful Resources - Management
Watch and read the following articles how the USA and Mexico are trying to solve their international dispute over the water flowing through the Colorado River.
Image Two - A Graph to Show the Discharge of the Colorado River entering Mexico
Exam Style Question
Using an example, examine the impact of an international conflict related to freshwater. (10 marks)
