WORLD WATER DAY

WORLD WATER DAY

World Water Day is celebrated every year on March 22nd.

It is an important date to remember the importance of this resource for the maintenance of the ecosystem and human life, plants and animals, as well as rescuing the agenda of awareness and good preservation practices.

The date came up with this goal: to warn people about how to preserve water and the importance of the resource for nature.

Every year, the United Nations (UN) chooses a theme to be discussed on World Water Day. This year’s theme is: Accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.

As prescribed in Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Water Rights, “the balance and future of our planet depend on preserving water and its cycles. These must remain intact and functioning normally to ensure the continuity of life on Earth. This balance depends in particular on the preservation of the seas and oceans, where the cycles begin”.

Important data about water in the world

• About 70% of our planet’s surface is covered by water;
• 97.5% of the planet’s water is salty and cannot be used for human consumption;
• A person needs at least 40 litres of water daily to carry out activities, such as drinking, bathing and cooking;
• The amount of water needed for our body to function properly varies from one person to another, being influenced, for example, by the physical activities performed by a person and by the climate. However, it is recommended that at least two litres of water be ingested daily;
• 4.5 billion people, according to the UN, do not have safe sanitation in the world;
• Around 2.1 billion people do not have access to clean water at home, according to the UN;
• According to the UN, children under the age of five are 20 times more likely to die from diseases related to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation than due to conflict;
• According to the UN, in 2030, the world’s population will need 40% more water.

5 ways to celebrate the World Water Day

1 – Practice responsible use of water:

• Use only what is necessary. Taking 2-minute showers, keep taps closed while brushing teeth, soap all dishes before rinsing.
• Always use the washing machine and dishwasher at maximum capacity. Take advantage of the washer water, the water used to wash clothes can be reused for other purposes such as washing the yard.
• Do not wash sidewalks or the car with hoses
• Check for leaks
• Using the half flush on the toilet instead of the full one when possible.

2 – Watch documentaries on water to educate yourself

3 – Visit the United Nations World Water Day Website

4 – Raise awareness on social media

5 – Donate to help those without access to clean water and sanitation

Sources:

https://www.worldwaterday.org/

https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Water_Day

https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-water

https://www.unwater.org/about-un-water/what-we-do/inspire-action

https://www.childfund.org.au/stories/5-ways-to-celebrate-world-water-day/

http://www.turismodeportugal.pt/pt/Agenda/Paginas/dia-mundial-agua

https://casacor.abril.com.br/sustentabilidade/dia-mundial-da-agua

https://mundoeducacao.uol.com.br/datas-comemorativas/dia-mundial-agua.htm