Dear Readers,
It has been some time since we put out environmental related content. We decided to pivot momentarily to share on operational safety because we are multifaceted organisation which also functions in the space of occupational safety and health. Our goal remains to educate and bring an awareness of various environmental and safety related issues. In our previous environmental articles, we discussed topics related to Air and water pollution. Still on the topic of water pollution, we want to highlight the following:
6 sustainable development targets on clean water by 2030
According to a World Bank and and United Nations report, water scarcity affects about 40% of the global population. This is why access to water and sanitation ranks high on the list of sustainable development goals by the United Nations. It’s not always a straightforward task so here are 6 sub-steps for achieving that goal:
1. By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
2. By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
3. By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater. This will address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
4. By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through cross border cooperation as appropriate.
5. By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
6 (a). By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies.
6 (b). Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
With these steps specifically ironed out, nations have a clear route to achieving water security in their individual regions. As we know, things are not always as straightforward as following a set of guidelines. Countries like Nigeria still face numerous problems with some more difficult than others.
One way we can help solve the problem however is to think about solutions within our immediate environment and solve them from there. Water is pivotal to life and we can not afford to be complacent about it.
