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The United Nations opened its first conference on water security in nearly half a century on Wednesday, with calls for governments to better manage one of humanity’s most important resources.
A quarter of the world’s population depends on unsafe drinking water, but half lack basic sanitation, the UN says. Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters of recent disasters are water-related.
“We are draining human lifeblood through vampiric overconsumption and unsustainable use, and evaporating it through global warming,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Ensuring access to clean drinking water and sanitation is part of the UN’s list of 17 points for sustainable development, along with ending hunger and poverty, achieving gender equality, and acting on climate change.
Somalia’s worst drought in 40 years has devastated crops and livestock that many Somalis rely on, forcing many to walk for days in search of food, water and medical aid.
A call to action
While the three-day conference in New York is not intended to produce the kind of agreement that emerged from the meetings on climate in Paris in 2015, or on the protection of nature in Montreal in 2022, Guterres said that it should be “the result of thick water. An Action Agenda that give life to the world the commitment it deserves.”
The agenda aims to establish the voluntary commitment of countries and sector representatives, and to create “political momentum.”
“Governments must develop and implement plans that ensure equitable access to water for all while conserving this precious resource,” Guterres said.
“I also call on countries to work together across borders to manage water together.”
The United States quickly responded to Guterres’ call – committing $49 billion to “fair, climate-resilient, water and sanitation investments at home and around the world.”
The money will “help create jobs, prevent conflicts, protect public health, reduce the risk of famine and hunger, and allow us to respond to climate change and natural disasters,” said US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, without giving a timeline. for investment or details of how much money will be spent where.
Other voices on the issue include scientists, economists and policy experts at the Global Commission on the Economy of Water, which has made recommendations including eliminating about $700 billion in agricultural and water subsidies that it says will damage the environment.
The group, established by the Dutch government, is hosting a conference this week, also promoting partnerships between development finance institutions and private investors to improve water systems.
Millions of Americans are facing a potential water crisis as the nation’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead, is now at critical levels after decades of drought and increased demand.
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