Water and the SDGs

Hands cupping flowing water with "UN 2030 Water for All Goals" and "Fairaction Mission 2030: Clean Water for All" logos on a grassy background.

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.

Investing in clean water creates a ripple effect, driving progress across all SDGs and unlocking human potential on a global scale.

Child enjoying water surrounded by a colorful circle of 17 Sustainable Development Goals icons, including poverty, education, and climate action.

Water is at the core of the SDGs

People collecting water from a river using yellow containers, surrounded by large rocks and grassy terrain.

Water and Poverty

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.

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Water and Hunger

Clean water is vital for agriculture and food production, ensuring crops are irrigated and livestock are healthy, contributing to food security and reducing hunger.

Two children fill yellow jerrycans with water from a small stream in a rural area, surrounded by dirt paths and simple wooden houses.

Water and Health (SDG 3)

Access to clean water and sanitation prevents waterborne diseases, saving lives, especially among children. It directly contributes to improved public health and well-being.

Students in a classroom, sitting at wooden desks, attentively listening and taking notes, with a brown wall in the background.

Water and Quality Education (SDG 4)

With accessible water sources, children spend less time collecting water and more time in school, enhancing education outcomes, especially for girls.

Two women by a river, one pouring water from a bucket, the other smiling with arms crossed. They wear colorful clothing and headscarves.

Water and Gender Equality (SDG 5)

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.

A boat with people approaches a large dam with water gushing through its gates, under a clear sky.

Water and Clean Energy (SDG 7)

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.

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Water and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

Clean water supports businesses, agriculture, and industry, fueling economic development and creating jobs, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure sectors.

Aerial view of a residential area with red-roofed houses, a yellow building, parked cars, and surrounding greenery.

Water and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11)

Sustainable water management ensures cities have the necessary resources for growth, reducing the risk of shortages and supporting urban resilience.

People standing on a sandy riverbank surrounded by patches of green grass and water.

Water and Climate Action (SDG 13)

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

A Health Crisis

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).

The only way to stop the excessive population growth is to improve child survival to more than 90% (UN / WHO / Gapminder / Prof. Rosling TED talk).

Overpopulation And Climate Change

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.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide to a level that brings atmospheric CO2 back from 386 parts per million to 350 or less, scaling back first-world consumption patterns, and reducing long-term population to ecologically sustainable levels will solve the global warming crisis and move us toward a healthier, more stable, post-fossil fuel, post-growth-addicted society.

Three children stand on a dirt path in a rural area, wearing casual, slightly worn clothing, with huts and people in the background.

Aerial view of a vast lake with several tree-covered islands under a partly cloudy sky.

Water and Life Below Water (SDG 14)

Managing freshwater resources helps prevent pollution and runoff that harm marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity in oceans and waterways.

Two hands passing a glass of water in a field, symbolizing sharing and care, with a blurred background of golden wheat.

Water and Life on Land (SDG 15)

Clean water is essential for terrestrial ecosystems. Proper management of water resources sustains forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, preserving biodiversity.

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Water and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

Access to water reduces conflicts and tensions between communities, fostering peace, stability, and cooperation over shared resources.

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Water and Partnerships (SDG 17)

Collaborative water initiatives encourage partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector, fostering global cooperation and knowledge sharing.

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