Water Statistics and Data
Urban water management is pivotal, given its impact on our daily lives. Here are some fascinating facts and issues related to urban water use and challenges:
The Low-Down on H2O
- A paltry 2.5% of water on Earth is fresh, with about 75% of that frozen in ice.
- Snow and glacier meltwater supports our freshwater supply but, due to climate change, it can also cause floods.
- Access to safe water for drinking and sanitation is crucial to human health and a basic human right, recognized as one of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
- Natural disasters related to water cause a staggering 90% of deaths, causing massive economic losses in low-income countries.
- Poor water management accounts for up to 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress, emitting approximately half of all global greenhouse gases.
- International water governance is challenging due to water's disregard for political boundaries, leading to conflicts like Israel and Palestine over water rights.
Water in the City
Transportation & Trade
Historically dominated by canals, modern cities have capitalized on waterways to ease traffic congestion by employing water transport. Cities like Amsterdam and Bangkok owe their growth to water-based trade.
Agriculture & Industry
Water is essential for agriculture, providing 70% of the freshwater we consume. However, it's worth noting that lab-grown meat could slash freshwater consumption in production by up to 96%.
The manufacturing process is a significant water consumer, requiring up to:
- 40,000 liters for a t-shirt and jeans,
- 12,760 liters to make a smartphone,
- 1.39 liters for a 1L bottled water,
- 234,695.5 liters for a US ton of steel, and
- 325 liters to produce 1kg of paper.
Hydropower and Leisure
Hydropower, used since ancient times, is a vital renewable energy source. It represents 60% of renewables, powering cities like Norway, Greenland, and southern Africa. Artificial dams provide power while controlling water flow, offering water for leisure activities and agriculture.
Water Stress and Flooding
Water stress and flooding are growing issues due to booming populations, infrastructural inadequacies, and climate change. Today, 2.4 billion people across 300 cities will face water stress by 2050. Floods, responsible for 43% of natural disasters since the mid-90s, affect 250 million people annually, costing around $40 billion USD in damages.
Prioritizing Water Management
Effective water management in the face of conflict, climate change, and urbanization is crucial. Prioritizing strategies such as water diplomacy, infrastructure resilience, WASH governance, and emergency preparedness is crucial to ensuring equitable access to safe water, improving public health, and supporting economic stability.
- Science has a crucial role in addressing urban water management, offering solutions to mitigate water stress and flooding.
- Workplace wellness initiatives can include promoting water conservation and hydration, thereby contributing to health and wellness.
- Climate change exacerbates water-related challenges, affecting not just our freshwater supply but also contributing to mental health issues.
- In the manufacturing sector, it's essential to consider the water consumption of various products, from lab-grown meat to smartphones, t-shirts, and water bottles.
- Men's health, including mental health, can be impacted by stressors related to work and climate change.
- Skin care products are an important part of personal care, but their production process consumes water resources.
- Therapies and treatments often require water, making their efficacy part of the larger water management conversation.
- Women's health, from menstrual hygiene to childbirth and postnatal care, is significantly impacted by access to clean water.
- The industry must collaborate to address water management issues, ensuring sustainable practices across all sectors.
- Medicare and health insurance coverage should include water-related diseases and health impacts due to inadequate water management.
- CBD-infused products, while popular in the wellness industry, have potential environmental implications due to water usage in cultivation.
- Environmental science plays a critical role in understanding the impact of our actions on the water cycle and ecosystems.
- Finance can support sustainable water management practices through investments in water-efficient infrastructure, technology, and startups.
- Energy generation and use are intricately linked to water management, with hydropower reservoirs playing a significant role in water stress and flooding.
- Space and astronomy may seem unrelated, but understanding Earth's water cycle can aid in the search for life on other planets.
- Retail should be conscious of its water footprint, from product manufacturing to customer activities like shopping and food consumption.
- Entrepreneurship can drive innovation in water management solutions, creating opportunities for small businesses and venture capital investment.
- Transportation's water impact extends beyond direct water consumption, as it contributes to flooding risks through infrastructure damage.
- Leadership in water management requires a comprehensive understanding of the issue, as well as the ability to collaborate and implement effective strategies.
- Diversity and inclusion are essential in the water management sector, ensuring that all voices are heard and that solutions are equitable.
- Cybersecurity threats can impact water management systems, highlighting the need for digital protection in critical infrastructure.
- Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on water usage, from diet and fashion to home care products and entertainment preferences.
- Fashion and beauty industries, with their water-intensive manufacturing processes, should prioritize sustainability and water conservation.
- Food and drink, particularly high-water content items, contribute significantly to freshwater consumption.
- Small businesses, with their ability to cater to niche markets, can play a vital role in promoting sustainable water management practices.
- Investing in companies that prioritize water management can lead to long-term financial benefits, as well as contributing to a more sustainable future.
- Wealth management should consider water-related risks in its investment strategies, protecting portfolios from potential water crises while promoting sustainable solutions.
