Celebrating World Water Day Since 1993, the United Nations has observed March 22 as World Water Day to call attention to climate change and the global water crisis.
by Daisy Velasco
W
orld Water Day is a celebration to raise awareness towards the global water crisis, climate change and sustainable freshwater. This year, their website (www.worldwaterday.org) asked individuals to share what water means to them on social media. Members who are part of the event write posts to teach the importance of how water is used in our daily ecosystem. Earth’s surface is 71% water which creates resources for terrestrial plants. These plants, along with agriculture, are the greatest water consumers because they require energy and nutrients to grow. Water is essential to our food cycle and integral to our survival. The surface of the Earth primarily being made of water also Illustration by Daisy Velasco
drinking water. The ocean helps transport tanks of clean water across the globe and World Water Day works with organizations to assist areas that lack a source of water. Water is an essential element to our existence. It can also maintain a peaceful atmosphere and connection to oneself. By meditating and listening to the movement of water, the spirit and mind is relaxed. According to Explore Health, the sound of water triggers a response that increases blood flow to our brain, which can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. benefits the marine biosphere. World Water Day is a day to The sea is home to thousands of act and raise awareness. Accordspecies and plants that breathe ing to Tsunami Products, over 20 and grow underwater. Howev- cities are dealing with the lack of er, climate change has negatively water sources. affected the sea-surface temperaIn 2018, Cape Town, South tures. The increase of ocean acidi- Africa placed a water restriction ty makes it difficult for certain or- that allowed only 50 liters per ganisms to grow person. Al“The sound of water and repopulate. though the reAnimals are begion is supplied [...] can reduce ing harmed and by six dams, stress, anxiety and they have been the coral reefs are also slowly dealing with a depression.” disappearing. drought due to The production of water is the rising global temperature. utilized in water infrastructure, World Water Day is a day to sanitation and health services. educate yourself the global water Water infrastructure filters water crisis. A few suggestions on how to be released where it is needed people can make a difference is by the most and sanitation is used as taking shorter showers and relaya provision for people to main- ing water conservation informatain a hygienic environment for tion to their community.
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