Global Water Crisis Awareness

The United Nations has issued a warning about an impending global water crisis driven by pollution, global warming, and overconsumption. A new report highlights that 10% of the world's population lives in areas of high or critical water stress, and a significant portion lacks access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The crisis is particularly severe in low-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa being heavily affected. The UN is urging governments and the private sector to develop a water action agenda to meet the 2030 goal of universal access to water and sanitation. The report emphasizes the need for a shift in how water is perceived and managed, advocating for increased investment to address the crisis, especially for vulnerable populations like children in Africa.

What are the primary causes of the approaching Global Water Crisis?

• Pollution, global warming, and overconsumption

• Mining, fishing, and tourism

• Deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization

• Natural disasters, population growth, and agriculture

What percentage of the world's population lives under high or critical water stress?

• 20%

• 5%

• 15%

• 10%

As of the last assessment in 2020, what fraction of the global population lacked access to safe drinking water?

• One third

• One quarter

• Three quarters

• One half

Which region has an estimated 70% of its population lacking safe drinking water services?

• South Asia

• Middle East

• Latin America

• Sub-Saharan Africa

How many people live under conditions of water stress for at least one month a year?

• 1.5 billion

• 2.5 billion

• 4.5 billion

• 3.5 billion

What is the goal set by the UN in 2015 regarding water and sanitation?

• To reduce water consumption by 50% by 2030

• To ensure access to water and sanitation for all by 2030

• To eliminate water pollution by 2030

• To provide free water services to all by 2030

What does the UN blame for the lack of access to safe water supply?

• Lack of technology and infrastructure

• Political instability and corruption

• Overpopulation and deforestation

• Unsustainable water use, pollution, and unchecked global warming

What is the UN's perspective on the global water cycle?

• It is a global common good

• It is an infinite resource

• It is a national resource

• It is a renewable resource

How many children in 10 African countries lack access to clean water according to UNICEF?

• 190 million

• 150 million

• 120 million

• 90 million

By how much does the UN say current levels of investment need to increase to ensure safe drinking water for all by 2030?

• Triple

• Quadruple

• Quintuple

• Double