Water and the SDGs
Water at the Core of the Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprise 17 goals and 169 targets set by the United Nations in 2015 and adopted by 193 countries. These goals provide a comprehensive roadmap to tackle global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace.
Clean water is at the core of achieving all the SDGs, implicitly or explicitly impacting them. SDG 6.1 ensures universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030. Without access to clean water, progress in health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), economic growth (SDG 8), sustainable cities (SDG 11), and climate action (SDG 13) is impossible. Clean water also supports ending hunger (SDG 2), promoting decent work (SDG 8), and fostering peace and justice (SDG 16), among many others.
Water is at the core of the SDGs
Access to clean water reduces poverty by providing a consistent source for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation, breaking the cycle of deprivation and increasing economic opportunities.
Clean water is vital for agriculture and food production, ensuring crops are irrigated and livestock are healthy, contributing to food security and reducing hunger.
Access to clean water and sanitation prevents waterborne diseases, saving lives, especially among children. It directly contributes to improved public health and well-being.
With accessible water sources, children spend less time collecting water and more time in school, enhancing education outcomes, especially for girls.
Women and girls often bear the burden of water collection. Providing clean water close to homes frees up time for education, work, and empowerment, promoting gender equality.
Water is essential for energy generation, including hydropower and cooling for thermal energy plants. Reliable water access supports the production of sustainable and clean energy.
Clean water supports businesses, agriculture, and industry, fueling economic development and creating jobs, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure sectors.
Sustainable water management ensures cities have the necessary resources for growth, reducing the risk of shortages and supporting urban resilience.
Efficient water use and sustainable management are critical in climate adaptation strategies, helping communities mitigate and respond to climate-related impacts.
Water, Overpopulation And Climate Change
“The world’s population will continue to grow rapidly, and only by raising the living standards of the poorest can we check population growth.” — Hans Rosling
Lack of access to safe water increases the mortality rate and in turn, causes overpopulation
3.4 million people, mostly children die annually as a result of water-related diseases, making it the leading cause of disease and death around the world. The longer it takes to end extreme poverty, the faster the population will grow. Data from the UN research shows the solution to overpopulation is saving poor children from avoidable death (UN World Pop).
A 2009 study of the relationship between population growth and global warming determined that the “carbon legacy” of just one child can produce 20 times more greenhouse gas than a person will save by driving a high-mileage car, recycling, and using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. The study concludes, “Clearly, the potential savings from reduced reproduction are huge compared to the savings that changes in lifestyle can achieve.” (Elsevier: Global Environment Change 19 (2009) 14-20) Time is short, but it is not too late to stop runaway global warming.
Managing freshwater resources helps prevent pollution and runoff that harm marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity in oceans and waterways.
Clean water is essential for terrestrial ecosystems. Proper management of water resources sustains forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, preserving biodiversity.
Access to water reduces conflicts and tensions between communities, fostering peace, stability, and cooperation over shared resources.
Collaborative water initiatives encourage partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector, fostering global cooperation and knowledge sharing.
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