The earth is filled with 71% water covering its total surface. Water is present on earth in the form of water vapour, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and icecaps. It is also found in the form of groundwater and aquifers. The world’s “environment and ecology” both depend on the availability of water for survival. Rivers carry freshwater to homes, schools, farms, and businesses.
Environment and Ecology
Both “Environment and ecology” are co-related with each other. Since the environment means everything that is surrounding us. It covers the various conditions responsible for affecting the sustainability and development of all living organisms on earth, while ecology is the study of all the living organisms interacting with their environment for its existence. Ecology covers the inter-relationship between the organism and its biotic as well as physical Environment. The environment is the combination of all biological and physical components such as plants, animals, water, air, and sunlight. The changes in climate and weather occur due to the various impacts on the world’s environment and it alters the natural cycle.
A healthy environment can be disturbed due to various disturbances that occurred in the ecology since disturbance can occur in the various ecosystems. Due to the fluctuation in the temperature, all the living organisms coexisting there can be negatively impacted, hence decreasing their population. When the question is about “Environment and Ecology”, one should know that the environment is a broader field dealing with all the elements coexisting together while Ecology is focused on the inter-relationship between the organism and its environment. It focuses on different ecosystems and how the living organism is depending upon them for its survival.
The increasing challenges for safe water
Water is the source of existence for all living organisms. It is true that life originated from the water and one cannot sustain without it. According to the World health organisation, the composition of water has changed drastically over the last decade due to improper treatment of water. The toxicity of water has increased and is affecting the life of all living beings and organisms. Thus, disturbing the ecosystem and destroying the balance between “environment and ecology”. The widespread water pollution has been jeopardising the lives of people and their health. Polluted water has been killing people more than any other violence in each year. 1% of freshwater is accessible for the common people which are safe to consume. Water pollution has become a global crisis, and to tackle such a crisis world leaders have come together to come out with plans and policies to remove the water crisis and sustain the freshwater.
World water day
“World water day is celebrated on” 22 March Every year, the world celebrates the water and its significance by raising awareness about the unavailability of consumable water to 2.2 billion people living on this planet. “World water day” comprises specific long-term goals and focuses on achieving them through sustainable development and raising awareness. The major focus of world water day is “sustainable and development Goal 6” which focuses on water and sanitation of all living beings by 2030.
The first “world water day” was celebrated on” 22 March 1993 and is observed by the UN and the reports are maintained by “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation”. “World water day” highlights the significance of freshwater and the importance of sustainable management of consumable water resources. Each year “world water day” is based on a specific theme that is relevant to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation which is incorporated with the main objectives of “Sustainable Development Goal 6” under the observance of UN-water. Un-water is the one who calls the meetings and decides the specific theme for every year. “The world water day theme 2021” was “valuing water” under which a public campaign was held in order to invite people for global conversation for sharing their stories, feelings, and thoughts of water. “The world water day theme 2020” was “Water and Climate Change ” and it talked about the impact of climate change on the water all around the world. According to the UN, “The world water day theme 2022” will be “groundwater: making the invisible visible”, on 21 March 2022 this program will be launched under the observance of UNESCO and UN-water at the “World Water Forum” in Dakar, Senegal.
Significance of Groundwater
Groundwater is one of the most vital sources of fresh water and it produces half of the consumable water worldwide. About 40% of groundwater is used for irrigation purposes in agriculture and ⅓ of water is used for industrial purposes. Groundwater maintains the ecosystem by sustaining the base flow of rivers and it also prevents intrusion of seawater. Groundwater is a major part of the changes in climate and is a valid solution for people having no access to safe water.
Conclusion
Water is an essential necessity for the core survival of all the living organisms on the planet. Water nourishes all the areas surrounding it by enriching it with nutrients. Hence, water enhances the life quality of the entire ecosystem and provides sustainability for the growth of flora and fauna. The world government has come together and celebrated world water day in order to raise awareness for safe drinking and water sustainability in the environment and maintain hygiene and sanitation.