The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as World Water Day back in 1993 in order to spread awareness about making safe water accessible to the masses. Even years after the move, we still continue to waste and pollute water as if it’s never going to finish.
However, the fact is that if we continue our carelessness, it would be extremely difficult for the future generations to sustain. In fact, 2.1 Million people across the world don’t even have access to safe water.
World Water Day 2018
World Water Day is an annual celebration that takes place on March 22. Much like every year, this year will also be having a theme which will be Nature from Water. This theme aims to get everyone think about ‘nature-based solutions’ to the water challenges faced by the world currently.
Water is Finite
It’s not like the water flowing in rivers is endless. Although 70% of Earth surface is covered with water, 97.5% of it is seawater which is unfit for drinking. Also, thanks to the ever-increasing world population and the destructive human activities that the available water is either getting polluted or is not enough to serve the needs of everyone.
Water is Depleting Faster than we think
Water is the key to human survival but it’s not just for drinking. The humans are using it for a lot more than just quenching thirst. It’s vital for agriculture to grow food for feeding billions and so many other needs. Most of the freshwater sources are getting drained faster than they are depleting.
We have already reached a serious stage whereby water crisis has started creating conflicts, wars, etc. Many countries have to depend on the imports and many villages don’t even have any water source of their own. This has led to some serious and never-seen-before droughts around the world.
Consequences are fatal
While California suffered its worst drought between 2011- 2016, whereby 1900 wells ran dry, in India farmers have to constantly face droughts in the fields and many commit suicide with the fear of not being able to serve the needs of their families.
While Cape Town is on the verge of declaring ‘Day Zero’ when the taps will turn dry, India’s water crisis is likely to intensify by the year 2050. These are not just going to create challenges for survival but would also affect the economy of the country by hampering various industries.
What can be done?
Even though the situation is quite grave, we can always do our bit to save as much water as we can. The most important thing to do is to control the ever-increasing world population. Besides, one can always plant more trees, restore wetlands, practice rainwater harvesting, and harmonize green infrastructure with grey infrastructure.
However, it’s not just the duty of the authorities and regulatory bodies to take care of such things. Even as citizens we are equally responsible and obliged to take care of Earth as it sustains so many humans.
