The Global Water Crisis: How to Help
There’s nothing more essential to life on Earth than water. Therefore, our ability to overcome water scarcity is vital. Whether we’re talking about Australia’s central desert plains, Asian mega cities, or sub-Saharan Africa, water is scarce. We need clean water more than you may even realise. We do need it to drink just to survive, but we also need it to grow food, to clean ourselves and our dishes, and to cook with. We even need it for our plumbing, a luxury many people are living with out.
What is water scarcity?
Water scarcity is not just a lack of access to water. If you have access to water and it’s polluted, you’re trading long term health risks or disease for immediate hydration. I define water scarcity as a lack of safe, clean and sustainable clean water.
Unfortunately, as the population of the world continues to grow, and the environment is further affected by climate change, access to clean water sources continues to dwindle.
Almost 800 million lack access to clean drinking water, and every day 800 children die from dirty water. Conditions like Diarrhoea caused by poor water, sanitation or hygeine are all too commonly seen in communities that have to choose from dehydration or disease.
How foundations can help
Many humanitarian foundations are working to provide clean drinking water to millions. WorldVision, one of the leading providers of clean drinking water, helped over 4 million people in 2018.
Work is being done to reach the poorest populations and those with the greatest disease risk, but there are many more affected who need help.
The best organisations are the ones who provide permanent solutions. Look for those that work in and with communities to co-create solutions that last.
Look for organisations that invest long-term in a community, so after they’ve left the community still thrives.
Within our lifetimes
The world water crisis can be fixed within our lifetimes. With enough support and with the right efforts, the basic human right to hydration and sanitation can be met.
Efforts that can end world thirst include:
- Drilling wells with long term lifespans
- Teaching locals how to keep water sources clean and flowing
- Building latrines and hand-washing facilities
- Promoting hygiene practices