Final answer:
The MENA region is most prone to water scarcity due to population increase, with other significant areas being the American Southwest, India, and northern China. Sub-Saharan Africa is also highly vulnerable, with predictions showing more than 3 billion people will be living in water-stressed regions by 2025.
Step-by-step explanation:
The region most prone to water scarcity caused by rises in population is the Middle East North Africa region (MENA). This area suffers significantly from water stress due to its lack of renewable freshwater sources.
Additionally, urban areas in the American Southwest, India, and northern China experience significant challenges related to water scarcity, which are exacerbated by high population densities. Sub-Saharan African countries also face vulnerable water supplies and the potential for severe water crises due to pollution and natural resource depletion.
With the prediction that more than 3 billion people will live in water-stressed areas by 2025, water scarcity issues could lead to increased global tension and conflict over water resources.
Physical water scarcity occurs in these regions, among others, where water availability is below the needs of the population. In contrast, economic water scarcity happens when countries cannot afford the infrastructure to transport or purify water, despite it being available.
Measures like improving infrastructure and reducing individual water consumption can alleviate some of these struggles. To reduce personal water consumption, one could adopt water-saving techniques such as fixing leaks and installing water-efficient fixtures.