Water is the basis of all life. It covers more than two-thirds of our planet, comprises most of our bodies, and binds us humans with nature in a unique way. Without water, there would be no plants, no animals, and no people. Water shaped us and the world we live in long before we began to manage and control it. No wonder that it has left its mark on the religions, art, and culture of every civilisation. But today water, that indispensable resource, is threatened more than ever by overuse, by the effects of the climate crisis, and by pollution. The water cycle of our planet is tipping out of balance, and we have already exceeded the limits of sustainable water use. A change of course is urgently needed. Fortunately, such a change is still possible.
In many parts of the world, humanity currently consumes more water than is available. The water table in many countries is falling dramatically, threatening drinking water supplies, food production, and numerous ecosystems. Fuelled by global warming, extreme weather events such as droughts and floods are becoming more common and more severe. Higher temperatures dry out the soil, and heavy rains endanger both people and infrastructure. Our impact on water is visible across the globe, from tiny particles of plastic in remote corners of the Arctic, to traces of industrial chemicals in the water we drink. As a result, our livelihoods are threatened, and our water is becoming scarcer and less safe to drink. Those who are hardest hit are the least able to cope with these problems.
Although many people around the world support the idea of protecting water resources, water conservation is rarely at the forefront of political debates. Other challenges, such as economic needs, are seen as more pressing. This overlooks the fact that manufacturing also needs adequate water supplies. That points to the need for strong and committed communication of the facts by politicians, scientists, and civil society.
For example, we need to explain the connections between the climate crisis and water. Many people are still not aware of how the climate crisis affects the water balance. Research tells us that when people can perceive environmental problems directly with their senses, it is easier for them to assess a crisis. The water crisis with its droughts, floods, parched forests, and rivers full of dead fish can be experienced directly – while greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide remain invisible. That explains why many people are unaware how closely the climate is linked to the quality and availability of water. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as water blindness. Further uncertainties arise because the climate crisis can lead to seemingly contradictory phenomena when it comes to water: flooding on the one hand, and water shortages on the other.
In addition to the climate, industry and agriculture also put water resources under strain. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater around the world are contaminated by microplastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers and pesticides. These pollutants threaten the health of both people and nature. Protecting our valuable water resources must finally be given priority over corporate interests. This requires binding policies, financial incentives to promote water-efficiency, and a better labelling of products that save water. Protecting water resources can be successful only if it is thought of in preventative terms. The most effective way to maintain water quality is to stop it from being contaminated in the first place. Instead of allowing toxic substances to enter water, they should be taken out of circulation altogether. Industry and agriculture should be seen more as water stakeholders and should be held more accountable for their effects.
Our growing demand for energy and raw materials must also be examined, as it has a major influence on the quality and availability of water. We need to understand that our consumption of raw materials and land cannot continue to grow indefinitely. Policy measures and innovative technologies can help achieve a shift towards a more careful use of water. Companies should be required to minimise the risks along their supply chains that might limit the availability of water to the local population. In addition, areas that are important for water supplies should remain undisturbed: they should be protected, including from mining activities.
The importance of water goes beyond ecological and technical issues. It also has political and societal dimensions. Water shortages and the climate crisis exacerbate social tensions and inequalities. People in poorer regions are especially vulnerable, suffering greatly from the effects of scarce water and extreme weather. Water shortages threaten food security, trigger migration, and exacerbate existing conflicts. Every year more than 120 cases of conflict over water are registered – and the numbers may well rise in the coming years. That makes it even more important that we work together as a global community.
Many institutions are concerned with how water should be used and distributed. Many current laws and action programmes pursue the right approaches to protect water resources – but politicians are often too slow to implement them. Effective international agreements and cross-border cooperation are therefore essential to ensure the sustainable use and protection of our water resources and to avoid conflicts. The United Nations water conferences in the coming years offer an important opportunity to develop measures for improved water management and to negotiate a binding agreement on water.
The Water Atlas aims to contribute to raising awareness of the issue of water and throw light on the many facets of this valuable resource. We provide information not only on the urgency of the problem but also show the many opportunities and solutions that exist today.
We face an enormous task: if we act decisively to achieve a sustainable management of water, we can protect the basis for all of life. Let us work together to ensure that water is available for all people, and that it remains a symbol for life, health, and nature.
Dr. Imme Scholz, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
