The global population has tripled in the last 100 years, whereas water used by humans has increased six-fold. Major water shortages seem certain to continue. Many parts of the world are reeling under the impact of severe droughts. Solving the water crisis is key to climate action and sustainable development. Water flows through all major global issues; from health to hunger, gender-equity to jobs, education to industry, and disasters to peace.
Securing an adequate supply of clean water despite the damaging effects of climate change is the world’s most urgent challenge. The gap between demand and supply of water is narrowing down. Our planet is awash with water. However, 97% of the Earth’s water is salty, 2% of freshwater is frozen in ice caps and less than 1% of it is drinkable.
About 66% of the global population currently live in conditions of severe water scarcity for at least one month per year. Hence, the global scarcity of fresh water is a serious humanitarian issue that needs to be addressed.
With increasing climatic change, these issues are set to continue and become even more pressing in many places. To ensure that access to clean water is available for everyone, strong action is needed: sustainable water management, population control, better sewage treatment and most importantly, awareness and education.
Education is critical to solve the water crisis. In fact, in order to cope with future water scarcity, it is necessary to radically reform all forms of consumption. Ergo, it’s up to everyone to solve the water crisis.
Shreeya Allock
