When most of us think of water, we usually think of a drink that we have in order to quench our thirst, or a substance that we use in order to clean ourselves, maybe even an ocean that we swim in during the summer. In fact, we may not even think twice about using water, as it is something that we all have access to, living in a civilised, western society, and has become second nature to use it. However, not everyone in the world has this opportunity. Whilst we continue to use water without worrying, many people struggle to have access to clean water. A staggering 784 million people do not have access to basic clean water. That is roughly equivalent to 1 in 10 people on Earth.
World water day has been held annually since 1993, on March 22. The event is held as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater sources. The day also allows for the opportunity to learn more about water related issues, and allow for people to help and support those who do not have access to freshwater. Water is not just an essential beverage, it is a crucial aspect when it comes to the creation of jobs and supporting an economy, or the development of societies and humans.
The United Nations, who hosts the annual event, has chosen this year’s theme to be ‘valuing water’. The UN Water agency, states that water has many values, such as our households, food, culture, health, education, economics and the safety of our environment. They go on to say that, if we overlook any one of these aspects, we risk mismanaging this ‘finite’ and ‘irreplaceable’ resource.
If you would like to participate or attend the event taking place on Monday, 22 March 2021 you are able to sign up on the UN-Water website, or show your support by advocating for the cause locally, or on your social media accounts.
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