Final answer:
The claim about one-third of the world's water being fresh is false; only less than 1% of Earth's water is accessible freshwater, with the majority found in oceans as salt water or locked in ice caps and glaciers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that approximately one-third of the world's water resources are available as fresh water is false. The reality is that less than 1% of the Earth's water can be considered accessible fresh water for human use. It is estimated that 97% of the planet's water is saline, found predominantly in oceans, and thus not directly consumable. A component of the freshwater, about 68%, is locked in glaciers and ice caps, primarily located in regions like Antarctica and Greenland which are inaccessible for direct use. Consequently, the small portion of useable fresh water, found in rivers, lakes, and shallow groundwater, is heavily relied upon by humanity for drinking, agriculture, and other vital activities.
Given the limited availability of fresh water, the challenge of accessing it becomes amplified, particularly in regions where rainfall is scarce, infrastructure is underdeveloped, or where sources are polluted. The distribution of easily accessible freshwater is uneven around the globe, which can lead to significant issues relating to water scarcity for many communities, influencing factors such as health, agriculture, and overall socio-economic stability.