World Water Day is a unique opportunity for us to come together in support of water and accelerate progress in this critical area.
Before….we need to know some interesting data given by the United Nations:
- 4 million people die annually and 74 million will have their lives shortened by diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene.
- Today, 1 in 4 people (2 billion people) worldwide lack safe drinking water.
- Nearly half of the world’s population (3.6 billion people) lacks safe sanitation.
- Globally, 44% of domestic wastewater is not safely treated.
- Global water demand (in water withdrawals) is expected to increase by 55% by 2050.
In 2015, the world committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (refers to universal and equitable access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the improvement of water quality and sustainable management of water resources) as part of the 2030 Agenda: the promise that everyone would have access to safe water and sanitation by 2030. However, today we are far from achieving this goal. Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, health centers, farms, and factories are still denied their human right to water and sanitation.
Water affects everyone, so everyone needs to take action. That is why the LABPLAS project is fighting to eradicate plastic pollution in seas and oceans, as plastic pollution not only threatens marine life but also contaminates water sources and affects human health.
Now, there is an active campaign promoted by the United Nations called “Be the Change” which encourages people to take action in their own lives to change the way they use, consume, and manage water. These pledges from individuals and communities will contribute to a Water Action Agenda that will also feature larger-scale commitments from governments, businesses, organizations, institutions, and coalitions. The three most popular actions recommended in Europe that everyone can do are:
- Saving water by taking shorter showers and not leaving the tap running when brushing teeth, washing dishes, or preparing food.
- Avoiding pollution by not throwing food scraps, oil, medicines or chemicals down the toilet or drain
- Consuming local products by buying seasonal and locally-sourced food, and looking for products that have been made using less water.
Since 1993, World Water Day (March 22nd) raises awareness and inspires action to address the global water and sanitation crisis, as 2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. It is a celebration coordinated by UN-Water, and its annual theme is aligned with the launch of the UN World Water Development Report.
On this World Water Day, let us commit to working together to accelerate progress for water, to ensure that everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. Let us join forces to address the problems that plague the water cycle and to create a sustainable future for all.
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