This past Monday, March 22nd, marked World Water Day, a UN Observance to commemorate the importance of clean water and support Sustainable Development Goal #6 to have water and sanitation access for everyone by 2030. This year's theme is Valuing Water.
Even though 71% of the earth’s surface is water, over 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water hence the importance of valuing water. Water is not just essential for drinking, but it’s crucial for health, sanitation, and adequate living conditions. Access to clean water serves as a marker for rising out of poverty.
Today, 1 in 3 people live without safe drinking water.
By 2050, up to 5.7 billion people could be living in areas where water is scarce for at least one month a year.
Climate-resilient water supply and sanitation could save the lives of more than 360,000 infants every year.
If we limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we could cut climate-induced water stress by up to 50%.
Extreme weather has caused more than 90% of major disasters over the last decade.
By 2040, global energy demand is projected to increase by over 25% and water demand is expected to increase by more than 50%.
It is critical that the access to clean water improves before the ability to do so becomes even more extremely difficult due to an increasing population, demands of manufacturing industries, and global warming.
For more information, check out this World Water Day 2021 toolkit from the United Nations.
