Global water crisis looming, UN says - BBC News

Summary

The United Nations has issued a warning about an impending global water crisis driven by pollution, overconsumption, and climate change. A new report highlights that 10% of the world's population lives in areas of high water stress, and up to 3.6 billion people lack access to proper sanitation. The report underscores the crisis's impact on low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of the population lacks safe drinking water. The UN calls for urgent global cooperation and investment to achieve universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The United Nations warns of an impending global water crisis due to pollution, global warming, and overconsumption.
• 📈 Water consumption continues to rise globally, contributing to the crisis.
• 🚰 Approximately 10% of the world's population lives in areas of high or critical water stress.
• 🌊 In 2020, over a quarter of the global population still lacked access to safe drinking water.
• 🚽 Around 3.6 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services.
• 🌍 Low-income countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa, face the worst impacts, with 70% of the population lacking safe drinking water.
• 👶 UNICEF warns that 190 million children in 10 African countries do not have access to clean water.
• ⚠️ The report emphasizes that water scarcity disproportionately affects poorer populations and children.
• 🔄 The UN calls for a shift in perspective, treating water as a shared global resource and common good.
• 💧 Current investment levels need to be tripled to achieve universal access to safe drinking water by 2030.

Q & A

What is the main issue highlighted in the UN report?

The main issue highlighted is the approaching global water crisis due to pollution, global warming, and overconsumption of water.

What percentage of the global population currently lives under water stress?

About 10 percent of the global population lives in areas with high or critical water stress.

How many people lack access to safe drinking water, according to the latest assessment?

Over a quarter of the global population still lacks access to safe drinking water.

What is the impact of the water crisis on sanitation services globally?

3.6 billion people globally lack access to safely managed sanitation services.

Which regions are worst affected by the water crisis?

Low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, are worst affected. For instance, 70 percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa lacks access to safe drinking water services.

What is the UN’s goal regarding water and sanitation by 2030?

The UN aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all by 2030.

What factors are blamed for the global water crisis?

Unsustainable water use, pollution, and unchecked global warming are cited as the main factors contributing to the global water crisis.

How many people are affected by water stress for at least one month each year?

Up to 3.5 billion people live under conditions of water stress for at least one month every year.

What does the UN propose as a solution to the water crisis?

The UN calls for a change in attitude towards water, emphasizing that it should be treated as a shared resource and a global common good.

What is the estimated level of investment needed to meet the 2030 water goals?

The current level of investment in water infrastructure would need to be tripled to provide safe drinking water for all by 2030.