SDG #6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Not having enough water affects more than 40 percent of people around the world. This is a shocking number that is predicated to increase with the rise of global temperatures as a result of climate change. Although 2.1 billion people have gained access to improved water sanitation since 1990, dwindling supplies of safe drinking water is a major problem impacting every continent.

In 2011, 41 countries experienced water stress – 10 of which are close to depleting their supply of renewable freshwater and must now rely on alternative sources. Increasing drought and desertification is already worsening these trends. By 2050, scientists predict that at least one in four people will be affected by repeated water shortages.

Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems such as forests, mountains, wetlands and rivers is essential if we are to counter this lack of water. More international cooperation is also needed to encourage smarter use of water, and to support treatment technologies in developing countries (aka, systems to turn dirty water into drinkable water).