World Water Day: More than two billion people still lack safe drinking water

(Patria) - Every year, World Water Day (March 22) raises awareness and inspires action to address the water and sanitation crisis. It is observed by the United Nations, coordinated by UN-Water and led by one or more UN-Water members and partners with a related mandate.

The theme for World Water Day 2024 is 'Water for Peace' and the World Water Development Report is titled 'Use Water for Peace and Prosperity'. The global campaign for Water Day is simply called 'Water for Peace', according to the Institute for Health and Food Safety.

"Water for Peace"

Water can create peace or provoke conflict. When there is not enough water, or it is polluted, or when people have unequal access or no access to water at all, tensions can rise between communities and countries.

More than three billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, of the 153 countries that share rivers, lakes, and aquifers with their neighbors, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all shared waters.

As the effects of climate change increase, there is an urgent need within and between countries to unite around the protection and preservation of our most precious resource. As the population grows, water will become increasingly important in the fight against poverty and environmental degradation.

Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity, and ecological integrity rely on a well-functioning water cycle that is properly managed. In the past, there have been many more instances of cooperation than conflict over water, but there is still much to be done. We must act on the knowledge that water is not just a resource to be used and competed for – it is a human right, inherent in every aspect of life, according to the INZ.

Cooperation on transboundary waters is essential for peace and prosperity. Governments should cooperate bilaterally, regionally, or globally, for example, by signing and implementing the United Nations Watercourses Convention and the Convention on Watercourses.

Essential and Warning Data

Today, two billion and 200 million people still lack safe drinking water, including 115 million people who drink surface water. Approximately half of the world's population experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. These numbers are expected to increase, exacerbated by climate change and population growth.

Only 0.5 percent of the Earth's water is usable and available freshwater – and climate change is dangerously affecting these supplies. In the last twenty years, terrestrial water storage – including soil moisture, snow, and ice – has been declining at a rate of 1 cm per year, with significant consequences for water security.

The INZ notes that water-related disasters have dominated the list of disasters in the last 50 years and account for 70 percent of all deaths related to natural disasters.

The benefits of investing in water and sanitation outweigh the costs, as it can improve health, productivity, environmental, and social outcomes. Every dollar, euro, or KM invested in water and sanitation yields a return of 4.3 times more, according to UN data.