Currently from 06. to November 17, the 2017 World Climate Conference in Bonn. This is the 23rd time that the parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change have met. Over the course of the event, more than 20,000 participants from politics and civil society are expected. When people talk about the climate, water is always an important aspect. Water therefore plays a particularly key role in the consequences of climate change.
Water as a fundamental climate factor
Climate change has very different effects around the globe. They have been noticeable for decades and cannot be denied. Water is almost always affected in some way when problems arise worldwide due to climate change. Either there is too much water, which unexpectedly causes natural disasters, or there is too little water available for all living creatures. As no life is possible without water, it is the most important resource for humans, animals and vegetation. A lack of water not only has an existential effect on people’s health, but also has serious consequences in many areas of life.
Over two billion people without a drinking water supply
Anyone who can drink pure, uncontaminated water has it good in this world. In Germany, the recommendation for fluid intake is still 1.5 liters of water per day. Drinking water in this country is very well controlled for the majority of common pollutants and usually flows out of the tap as required. People in many developing countries can only dream of this. According to the UN report by the WHO and UNICEF in the “Joint Monitoring Program for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP) – 2017 Update and SDG Baselines” , 2.1 billion people worldwide do not have access to a clean and regular supply of drinking water. Rising average temperatures in some countries due to climate change are continuously exacerbating the drinking water problem.
Service water in many areas
In addition to drinking water, industrial water is also affected by water shortages. Personal hygiene and health are almost impossible without clean water. Cereals, fruit and vegetables can only thrive in agriculture with an adequate supply of water. What is taken for granted in Europe is becoming a major challenge in many regions of the world, in some cases one that is almost impossible to overcome. Water also plays a major role in energy generation and as cooling water for power plants worldwide. In addition, all branches of industry cannot do without water in production. As part of the World Climate Conference, the German government has already announced that it will provide a further 100 million euros to help developing countries adapt to climate change.
Threat to the ecosystem
All global ecosystems are dependent on water. In addition to the classic water sources of the oceans, rivers and lakes, wetlands and moorlands, floodplains, meadows, fields, forests, tundras and even semi-deserts are also threatened by climate change. In addition, the other uneasy feeling remains when icebergs melt and irreversibly turn into water due to warming. The global climate concerns all countries. There is no going back, but there is still hope that appropriate measures will prevent more floods, hurricanes with heavy rainfall or droughts worldwide. It remains to be hoped that the participants at the 2017 World Climate Conference will provide helpful impetus and implement it promptly.
Everyone can do something to combat climate change: Mindful use of resources on a daily basis can make a big difference. Save electricity – for example with Advent lighting, save water – with steel regulators on taps, avoid waste – for example by buying unpackaged food and everyday items, drive less – but walk or cycle more often, shop more consciously – and opt for durable items and clothing.
