World Water Day is celebrated every year on March 22 to focus attention on the importance of water throughout the globe. Water issues are especially important in Michigan with our abundant supply of, and easy access to, fresh water. Here are a few facts from the United Nations and a list library materials to help you learn more about the world's most precious resource.
Did you know that...
- 2/3 of natural wetlands have disappeared since 1900?
- 1.9 billion people live in areas where water is already scarce?
- 2.1 billion people have no safely-managed drinking water services?
- 80% of all the world's wastewater flows back into rivers and oceans without treatment?
- Restoring ecosystems creates jobs in areas like recreation, fishing, forestry, and agriculture?
Wars of the future will be fought over water, as they are today over oil, as the source of all life enters the global marketplace and political arena. Corporate giants, private investors, and corrupt governments vie for control of our dwindling fresh water supply, prompting protests, lawsuits, and revolutions from citizens fighting for the right to survive. Past civilizations have collapsed from poor water management. Will ours too?
