World Water Day

Today is World Water Day!

“Water is essential for life. Yet many millions of people around the world face water shortages and a daily struggle to secure safe water for their basic needs. Millions of children continue to die every year from preventable water-borne diseases. Water-related natural disasters such as floods, tropical storms and tsunamis exact a heavy toll in human life and suffering. And all too regularly,drought afflicts some of the world’s poorest countries, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition.” –Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations

Take some time today to flip through the UN’s Water for Life booklet. Then check out the Hunger Program’s great collection of presentations about water here.

Consider that worldwide agriculture uses 70% of our freshwater supply. Now consider that asparagus you ate in January which was flown here from Peru (probably from the heavily irrigated arid region of Ica). How much water did it take to grow that asparagus? We’re all familiar with carbon footprints; what was the water footprint of your asparagus? Read Andrew’s article from the PHP Post about how virtual water takes water away from thirsty people around the world. I bet you didn’t know that it takes 140 liters of water for each cup of coffee you drink.

After you’ve read all about water today, you should take action. Corporate Accountability International has some simple ways you can act right now. After you speak up with your voice, speak out with your money. Help PHP leverage a more just water system around the world. Give to our worldwide Water is Life campaign to preserve the Right of access to clean water for all of God’s
Creation.

Be thankful for your water as you drink today. Cheers!