Mapping Water Stress Across The Middle East (Introduction)

Resources Needed:

1.  Link to the article, World Water Day: Mapping Water Stress Across The Middle East by Al Jazeera  (printable version attached)

Introduction:

1. Prior to reading the article, ask students:
   1. What do you think water stress means? 
   2. What areas/countries in the world do you think are the most water stressed? Why do you think so?

Lesson:

1. Have students read the article, World Water Day: Mapping Water Stress Across The Middle East by Al Jazeera.
2. Students can compare their initial thoughts about water stress with what they learned in the article.
3. Ask some of the following questions or have students discuss in small groups:

• Why are the Middle Eastern and North African countries among the most water stressed in the world?

• How is this problem being addressed and do you think this is sustainable?

• What do you think countries could do to help relieve some of this water stress?

Follow Up Activities:

1. Have students work with a partner, or individually, to come up with their own definition of ‘water stress’ and possible ways to educate their peers on what this means and what we can all begin doing to help.
2. Have students do further research on water issues facing the Middle East.