How our drinking water is related to the climate crisis
About two thirds of our planet is covered with water. However, only a fraction of it is fresh water and even less of it is so clean that it can be safely used as drinking water. Even if in Germany we mostly only notice in summer that there is too little water for agriculture, parks and gardens in many places - from a global perspective, this is already a major problem. Access to clean drinking water is already extremely limited in many regions of the world and will become even more restricted in the future due to the climate crisis. According to calculations by the United Nations, higher temperatures and more extreme weather conditions associated with global warming will affect precipitation, snowmelt, floods and groundwater levels and will worsen water quality overall.
How much water do you use? Find out.
Did you know that there is almost 140 liters of water behind every cup of coffee? This water is used while growing, processing and transporting coffee beans, until you finally add a little hot water to your coffee powder. 140 liters are about as much as fits in a bathtub. But we are seldom aware of this 'invisible' amount of water that is behind our food as well as clothing and consumer goods. In this context, we also speak of 'virtual water'.
If you want to find out more precisely how much water is behind everything that you use and consume every day, you can calculate your water footprint here.
March 22nd ist World Water Day.
World Water Day, which takes place every year on March 22nd, aims to draw attention to how valuable our water is. Because clean water is not only important for us as drinking water - we need and use fresh water in all areas of our life, from food cultivation to industry.
This World Water Day is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.
And because water affects us all, we need everyone to take action. That means you!
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD!