MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2023 - EARTH DAY I - WATER

 MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2023 ENVIRONMENT

Next Saturday is Earth Day 2023.  This week I’m going to be looking at some environmental issues.  

The power of water

Water connects every aspect of life. Access to safe water and sanitation can quickly turn problems into potential – empowering people with time for school and work, and contributing to improved health for women, children, and families around the world. 

Today, 771 million people – 1 in 10 – globally lack access to safe water, and 1.7 billion people – 1 in 4 – lack access to a toilet 

Every day approximately 200 million hours are spent by women and children in collecting water for households

New research shows that rich people using excess water to fill swimming pools, maintain gardens, and even wash cars plays a big role in water crises around the world. In the case of Cape Town, South Africa, the wealthiest residents were responsible for 51% of the city’s water usage, despite being only 14% of the population. The researchers found that unsustainable water usage can contribute to water shortages “at least as much as climate change or growth.”

Western United States states fight over water rights to the water in the Colorado River (which goes through the Grand Canyon).  By the time the Colorado River empties into the Baja California Bay there is little left.  

The Platte River through Nebraska starts strong from the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, but by the time it runs into the Missouri River, much has been used for irrigation.  

The Rio Grande River - which defines the border between the United States and Mexico is also depleted by the time it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

Water may very well be the cause of the next war.  

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, MONDAY APRIL 17, 2023