Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks. Fill in the appropriate word in question 27

THE FUTURE OF WATER

Many of us often wonder what the future holds; some believe major advances in technology will occur which will result in improvements to our everyday lives. Scientists have predicted shortages in fossil fuels and changes in the weather patterns of the world. (25)________, one significant change that will have an alarming impact on all of us is the global water shortage. Analysts have forecast that some of the consequences of this will be mass migration from Africa to Europe and wars between countries over clean water. The main causes of this disturbing water shortage are global warming, climate change and the increasing world population. The supply of fresh water (26) ________ comes from mountain glaciers and flows into lakes and rivers is diminishing, and this also (27)__________ to the shortage. Water analysts and government leaders need to start making radical changes to the way water use is managed and they need to find new sources that will be able to meet the demands of an ever-growing population. In addition, more things need to be done to control global warming as this will help to reduce water shortages. People should be made (28)_______of the situation and warned not to waste water. Multinational companies should invest in developing better water management systems. In summary, if we start (29)_______ action now, we might be able to prevent a world disaster.