World Water Day 2020
As the population across the globe continues to grow, the demand for water – one of our most important resources, also rises.
Since its inception in 1993, World Water Day highlights the value of freshwater and is celebrated across the globe every year with an assortment of events on the 22nd of March. According to the United Nations, the idea for this international day goes back to 1992, the year in which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro took place. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by which the 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993.
This year the celebrations for World Water Day are focused on water, climate change, and how the two are inextricably linked. Climate change occurs when long-term weather patterns are altered and there is a rise in the average global temperature (global warming). Extreme weather events are making water more scare, more unpredictable, and more polluted. These factors affect the clean water that we drink as well as the access that we have to it. With the demand for water significantly increasing, our natural resources are diminishing so it’s imperative that we start learning to use them more responsibly. Water is essential for us to survive and we need it just as much as all the systems we rely on do. Sanitation, healthcare, education, and business are just a few of the industries that would collapse without access to clean water.
Fast facts:
- 1 in 3 people live without safe drinking water.
- By 2040, global energy demand is projected to increase by over 25% and water demand is expected to increase by more than 50%.
- By 2050, up to 5.7 billion people could be living in areas where water is scarce for at least one month a year.
- Climate-resilient water supply and sanitation could save the lives of more than 360,000 infants every year.
- If we limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we could cut climate-induced water stress by up to 50%.
“Climate change can feel scary and daunting. But there is one simple step you can take immediately that will make a big difference: don’t waste water.” – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
Suite metering is one of the many ways you can begin to reduce your water consumption and your environmental impact. Whether you’re environmentally conscious already or just beginning, paying only for the utilities you use is a great way to measure and assess what you’re using and to see if there are ways you can reduce your consumption or use your water more efficiently. You can contact a Priority Submetering Solutions sales team member to find out more about usage reductions and the potential savings of installing a suite metering system in your building by emailing [email protected] or calling 1.866.836.3837 x2.
Working towards a brighter future, with access to clean water for the next generations to come, is an important role we need to play. Water is one of our most precious resources, use it responsibly so that we can all enjoy a better tomorrow.
For more information about World Water Day, visit: https://www.worldwaterday.org/