Un Seeks Solution To Global Water Crisis; California Struck By Fierce Tornado | Wion Climate Tracker

Water is often taken for granted, covering 70% of our planet. However, fresh water, the kind we drink, bathe in, and use to irrigate our fields, is incredibly rare. Only three percent of the world's water is fresh, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use. As a result, 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and 2.7 billion people face scarcity for at least one month of the year. The first major U.N. conference on water in over 45 years has kicked off with an urgent call to sustainably manage the world's most important resource.

The conference aims to address issues related to protecting aquatic ecosystems, improving water resource management, increasing water reuse, and promoting cooperation across borders on water use. The UN World Water Development Report 2023 paints a stark picture of the huge gap that needs to be filled to meet U.N. goals to ensure all people have access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. The report also points out that many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed, with rivers, lakes, and aquifers drying up or becoming too polluted to use. The agriculture sector is among the biggest consumers of water and is responsible for massive wastage due to inefficient procedures. With the current consumption rate, two-thirds of the world's population may face water shortages by 2025, and ecosystems around the world will suffer even more.

Addressing the Water Crisis: Immediate Steps

As the water crisis continues to worsen, it's crucial to take immediate steps to address the issue. One of the most pressing needs is to use technology better, especially in agriculture. Irrigation systems need to be more efficient to ensure water is used to its maximum potential. Additionally, providing better sanitation at scale, not just through small pilot programs, is essential. The approach taken by India in creating 100 million toilets for rural populations can serve as a model for other regions facing similar sanitation challenges.

The Global Food Crisis: A Growing Concern

The consequences of the war in Ukraine are being felt not only in Europe but also across the globe, especially in aid-dependent countries. Agreements on food exports from Ukraine were concluded in Istanbul, but grain that was supposed to reach countries where food is a scarce commodity was not reaching them. The crisis has distracted humanitarian agencies of wealthy nations, leading to a deepening food crisis in Africa. Across the continent, from east to west, people are experiencing a food crisis bigger and more complex than ever before. The U.N. food and agriculture organization reports that one in five Africans, a record 278 million people, were already facing hunger in 2021.

Environmental Impact of Indonesia's New Capital

Indonesia's decision to build a new capital on Borneo Island has raised concerns about the environmental impact of such a large-scale project. The construction of the new capital has already led to the clearing of mangrove forests, raising fears about the impact on endangered species like orangutans, long-nosed monkeys, and dolphins. While the government has promised to protect wildlife and reforest large areas of the project, conservationists remain skeptical about the long-term impact of the new capital on Borneo's vulnerable animals.

Climate Change and Extreme Weather: Impact on California

California continues to face worsening weather conditions, with powerful storms bringing heavy rains and flooding to the already saturated state. The rapid succession of Pacific storms over the past three months has created an abrupt reversal for a state plagued by drought and wildfires, highlighting the extreme weather extremes that experts say are symptomatic of human-induced climate change.

Sandstorms in Beijing: A Health Hazard

Beijing has been hit by dense sandstorms, severely affecting visibility and causing pollution levels to drastically increase. The city, home to more than 21 million people, faces regular sandstorms during March and April due to its proximity to the massive Gobi Desert. The pollution levels pose a significant health hazard, emphasizing the urgent need to address environmental challenges caused by sandstorms.

In conclusion, the global water crisis, food crisis, environmental impact of large-scale projects, and extreme weather events all point to the urgent need for sustainable and collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues. It's crucial to prioritize the protection of natural resources, wildlife, and human health in the face of these challenges. As members of the international community, we must work together to find innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure a better future for all.