Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Earth is often referred to as the "Blue Planet" due to the abundance of water on its surface. However, the distribution of this water determines its availability for human consumption and ecosystem sustenance.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Earth is called the blue planet because approximately 71% of its surface is covered with water, not 20%. The remaining 29% consists of landmasses.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Despite the vast quantity of water, humanity faces water shortages. This is because 97% of the Earth's water is found in the oceans and is too saline for human use.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Only about 2.7% to 3% of the total water on Earth is fresh water. Furthermore, a significant portion of this fresh water (nearly 70%) is locked in ice sheets and glaciers (e.g., Antarctica, Greenland), making the actual accessible fresh water for human use (rivers, lakes, groundwater) less than 1% of the total.
Key Takeaway: While water covers 71% of the Earth's surface, less than 1% is accessible fresh water, leading to scarcity despite the planet's abundance of water.