The article discusses the global fresh water crisis and highlights the impact it has on people, particularly women and girls who have to travel long distances to access clean water. It challenges the assumption that individual wastefulness is the main cause of water shortages and emphasizes the need to address agricultural and industrial patterns of water use. The article also raises questions about how societies value and distribute water and calls for fresh water to be seen as a public good rather than just an economic commodity.
You may have heard that we are running out of fresh water. This might seem strange, especially if you live in a place where water flows freely from the tap or shower. However, the reality is that fresh water is not as abundant as it seems. The only obvious thing about fresh water is how much we need it. It’s essential to life, and therefore, we need to think about it carefully.
Right now, there are people, particularly women and girls, who walk hours and miles per day to get fresh water, and even then, it may not be clean. Every 15 seconds, a child dies due to water-borne diseases. This is a tragic reality. The most compelling reasons to think about fresh water, therefore, have to do with what we might call the global common good. This means recognizing how much fresh water matters for the flourishing of human and non-human life on Earth, now and in the future.
Many people assume that freshwater shortages are due to individual wastefulness, such as running the water while brushing teeth or taking long showers. Most of us assume that water shortages can be fixed by improving our personal habits. However, global freshwater scarcity neither starts nor ends in your shower. Globally, domestic use of freshwater accounts for only 8% of consumption. Compare that to the 70% that goes to agriculture and the 22% that goes to industrial uses.
While individual habits are part of the puzzle, it’s important to note that taking shorter showers won’t solve global problems. It would be much more straightforward and easier if virtuous, individual actions could do the trick. However, agricultural and industrial patterns of water use need serious attention.
How do our societies value water? How do we distribute it? How do we subsidize its use in agriculture? How do we incentivize its consumption or pollution? These are all questions that stem from how we think about fresh water’s value. Is it an economic commodity? A human right? A public good? Nobel prize winners, global water justice activists, transnational institutions like the United Nations, and even the Catholic Church are at work on the issue.
The business of water became very profitable in the 20th century. However, profit is not the same thing as the common good. We need to figure out how to value freshwater as a public good, something that’s vital for human and non-human life, now and in the future. This is a virtuous, collective task that goes far beyond individual showers.
freshwater – water that is not salty and is suitable for drinking, cooking, and irrigation. – The lake provides a steady supply of fresh water for the nearby town.
crisis – a time of intense difficulty or danger. – The country is facing an economic crisis due to high inflation rates.
abundant – existing or available in large quantities. – The region is known for its abundant natural resources.
essential – absolutely necessary; extremely important. – Good nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
impact – the effect or influence of one thing on another. – The new policy had a positive impact on the company’s profits.
people – human beings in general or considered collectively. – The conference aimed to address the needs of the local people.
shortages – a state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts. – There is a shortage of medical supplies in the rural areas.
individual habits – personal behaviors or practices of a single person. – Sustainable living starts with changing individual habits, such as reducing water consumption.
valuing water – recognizing and appreciating the importance and worth of water. – Education plays a crucial role in valuing water as a precious resource.
business of water – the industry or activities related to the management, distribution, and treatment of water. – Many companies are involved in the business of water, from bottling to wastewater treatment.
common good – the benefit or welfare of all members of a community or society. – The government should prioritize policies that promote the common good and ensure access to clean water for everyone.
collective task – a task or responsibility that requires the cooperation and efforts of a group or community. – Addressing climate change is a collective task that requires global collaboration.
Dear student, your task is to conduct a research on the global fresh water crisis. Identify the countries most affected by this issue and the main causes of their water scarcity. Prepare a presentation to share your findings with the class. This will help you understand the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
For one week, keep a diary of your water usage. Record all activities that involve water, such as showering, brushing your teeth, washing dishes, etc. At the end of the week, calculate your total water usage and reflect on ways you could reduce it. This will help you understand your personal contribution to water consumption.
Organize a debate in class on whether water should be considered a commodity or a human right. Prepare your arguments and counterarguments. This activity will help you understand different perspectives on the value of water.
Create a poster promoting water conservation. Use your creativity to convey the importance of saving water and suggest practical ways to do so. Display your posters around the school to raise awareness among other students.
Perform a role play depicting the daily struggles of people in regions with severe water scarcity. This will help you empathize with those affected by the fresh water crisis and understand the urgency of finding solutions.
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