Our earth is blessed with resources to sustain life. Unfortunately, these resources are limited.
The explosion in human population and the demand for these vital resources is putting pressure on how much there is to go around, especially in the future.
World leaders agree that development should be sustainable. This is the concern that is being highlighted on World Water Day in 2015. Celebrated every year on March 22nd by the United Nations, World Water Day is an opportunity to bring awareness about the importance of water in our life. This year's theme is the role of water sustainability.
But what does sustainability really mean?
Water: The Basic Ingredient Of Life
Did you know that every drop of water we have on earth has been here since the time the earth was formed?
Water, the basic building block of life, is constantly flowing and changing form. However, when it is not in the form, or in a place where we want it to be, it becomes a hazard or can cause problems. Think about it - if you don't have water when you are on a hike, you will be thirsty and could dehydrate. But excess rainfall on your hike can cause flooding and ruin your day. Now, think about it from the point of the entire world.
Everything in our world is closely connected, and that is especially true of water. From the cycle of evaporation, condensation and precipitation to the ocean currents that makes our seasons, water affects our lives.
What Is Sustainability?
It is a fact that the world's population is growing at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, people have many demands - both social and economic. Our social needs lead us to search for a decent quality of living, equal opportunity and reduction of poverty. Did you know that access to water and poverty are closely linked?
On the other hand, every human being has an economic goal to earn a profit, create products and enjoy wealth. But industry and production of goods and services require water and energy - and lots of it. Very simply, balancing water against the needs of every person in a fair manner, that is economically possible, and environmentally friendly without upsetting the future, is sustainable water.
For our own sake, it is important to conserve water. It is also important for us to collectively preserve and protect our water sources from pollution. The fresh water resources in hidden aquifers and frozen glaciers are under threat of depletion because of overuse and global warming. We can do our part to ensure there is enough water for our own future. It all begins with small steps.
- Become aware of the importance of water in every aspect of our lives - food, energy, health and economic wellbeing
- Think of ways to conserve water - take a shorter shower, close the tap while brushing your teeth
- Ensure that pollutants do not enter our water ways
- Use only what you need. Avoid wasting food and things. It takes water to produce all that we use.