Which human activity accounts for the largest use of freshwater resources worldwide?

• A. Recreational activities
• B. Industrial manufacturing
• C. Agriculture
• D. Domestic household use

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the context of freshwater resource usage worldwide. Freshwater is a critical resource for various human activities, including agriculture, industrial manufacturing, domestic household use, and recreational activities.
2. Step 2: Analyze the scale of each activity. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater globally because it is essential for irrigation, livestock, and crop production. This activity requires vast amounts of water to sustain food production for the growing population.
3. Step 3: Compare agriculture to other activities. Industrial manufacturing uses freshwater for processes like cooling, cleaning, and chemical reactions, but its usage is significantly less than agriculture. Domestic household use, such as drinking, cooking, and cleaning, also accounts for a smaller portion of freshwater consumption. Recreational activities, like swimming pools and water parks, use the least amount of freshwater.
4. Step 4: Consider global statistics and trends. Studies and reports from organizations like the United Nations and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) consistently show that agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, making it the largest user.
5. Step 5: Conclude that agriculture is the correct answer based on its dominant role in freshwater consumption worldwide, supported by evidence and logical comparison to other activities.