March 22: World Water Day 2021

The World Water Day being observed on March 22, 2021. It is a United Nations designated day. The day is being observed under the United Nations theme- “Valuing Water” which focuses on “How we can better protect this vital resource”.

Highlights

The events like approaching summer season and ongoing coronavirus pandemic have made the observance of the day more significant because these events have provided a silent warning for the world about how critical the availability of clean water is. The day is observed to mark the awareness of the 2.2 billion people who do not have access to safe water. The day talks about taking action regarding the global water crisis.

Background

The day is used to raise awareness regarding the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The United Nations choose the theme for each year with the focus on topics which are required for “clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)”. The day is celebrated in line with the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goal 6. The United Nations also releases the “UN World Water Development Report (WWDR)” each year on the occasion of World Water Day. The “UN-Water” is the convener for this Day. It selects the theme of each year in consultation with UN organizations.

Need of the day

Presently, 1 out of 3 people are living without safe drinking water. By the year 2050, around 5.7 billion people would be living in the areas where water would be in scarce for at least one month a year. Thus, if we limit the global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial levels, the climate-induced water stress can be cut by 50 percent. The Climate-resilient water supply & sanitation will help in saving more than 3,60,000 infants each year. Thus, the observance of the day is important to raise awareness about the significance of water.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2021