One essential element that keeps life on Earth going is water. Whether in rivers, lakes, or the ocean, it’s essential to ecosystems, agriculture, industry, and human well-being.
World Water Day is an international campaign supported by the UN that aims to draw attention to the value of fresh water for the environment. It also highlights the need to fight its scarcity globally, because about 2.2 billion people still lack access to clean drinking water.
But when is World Water Day 2024 and how can you get involved? Here’s what we know.
When is World Water Day 2024?
World Water Day 2024 is on Friday, March 22.
Different organisations, communities, and people worldwide use this day to highlight various water-related issues such as water scarcity, pollution, access to clean water, sanitation problems, and the importance of conservation efforts.
Events may include educational seminars, workshops, community clean-up activities, fundraising campaigns, and advocacy efforts to promote sustainable water management practices.
World Water Day focuses on a specific water-related theme every year. Themes in the past have included "Water and Climate Change," "Leaving no one behind," "Nature-based Solutions for Water," among others.
These themes aim to draw attention to particular aspects of water management and encourage action to address its challenges.
What’s the theme this year?
The theme of World Water Day 2024 is “Water for Peace”.
The UN’s website says: “When we cooperate on water, we create a positive ripple effect — fostering harmony, generating prosperity and building resilience to shared challenges.
“We must act upon the realisation that water is not only a resource to be used and competed over — it is a human right, intrinsic to every aspect of life.
“This World Water Day, we all need to unite around water and use water for peace, laying the foundations of a more stable and prosperous tomorrow.”
How can you get involved?
The most obvious way would be to save water. This means shorter showers, fewer baths, and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth.
As well as reducing water use, reduce your waste and minimise food waste.
Start shopping sustainably. It takes 10,000 litres of water to produce just one pair of jeans.
Avoid flushing contaminants such as chemicals, oils, and medications down the toilet or the drain.
You can also make donations to appeals celebrating the cause such as Frank Water’s World Water Day Appeal.
Visit the World Water Day website here for more information about the day.
