Freshwater is an essential, but very limited, resource across the globe. Only 2.5% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, while the other 97.5% is saline, including oceans and salt-contaminated groundwater. According to National Geographic, of the freshwater that does exist, around 69% is contained in glaciers, 30% takes the form of groundwater, and only the remaining 1% is readily available for human use.
Globally, we are experiencing a water crisis. National Geographic has found that around 20% of the world’s population currently lives in water-scarce areas and 1.8 billion people do not have access to safe and clean drinking water. What’s more, these conditions are expected to worsen in the coming years due, in large part, to climate change and increased water consumption. The United Nations Institute for Water, Environment, and Health states: “Between now and 2050, water demands are expected to increase by 400% from manufacturing and 130% from household use.” Moreover, it is estimated that by 2050, 3.9 billion individuals (over 40% of the world’s population) will live in severely water-stressed river basins as a result of climate change.
The water crisis has unique consequences for women. This article will explore the intersectionality of inadequate access to clean drinking water and discuss solutions that support women.
To read the rest of this article, follow this link to the Starfish Canada website where the original piece has been published: