Hey, Lykkers! Have you ever worried about running out of water? Most of us probably haven't, especially when we have easy access to it.
But did you know that while 70% of the Earth's surface is covered in water, only 2.5% of it is freshwater?
Even more staggering, nearly 70% of this freshwater is locked away in the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland. The rest is in soil moisture or deep underground, which we can't easily use. In fact, less than 1% of the world's freshwater is available for us to use.
It's a pretty shocking fact, don't you think?
Water is essential for all of us. From waking up in the morning, we need water to wash our faces, drink a cup of tea or coffee, and clean our things. It's literally the building block of life. Beyond quenching thirst and keeping us healthy, water is also crucial for creating jobs, supporting economies, and fostering social and human development. That's why we have a special day to remind us to think about water: World Water Day!
What's World Water Day?
World Water Day is celebrated every year on March 22. Its main focus is to highlight the importance of freshwater and the need for sustainable management of water resources. It's a day when we are encouraged to think about how we can use water wisely and protect this precious resource.
The idea for World Water Day came from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. In response, the UN declared March 22, 1993, as the first World Water Day. The day supports Chapter 18 of the Agenda 21, which focuses on freshwater resources, and aims to raise global awareness about water issues.
What Happens on World Water Day?
On World Water Day, the United Nations calls on countries around the world to celebrate the day in ways that suit their own national circumstances.
Activities usually include screenings of documentaries, organizing conferences, roundtable discussions, seminars, and exhibitions to raise awareness about water resource protection and development. These events encourage us to think more deeply about how we use water and how we can conserve it.
In China, Water Week (which coincides with World Water Day) is celebrated from March 22 to 28. Since 1994, the Ministry of Water Resources has dedicated this time to raise awareness about water issues.
The Importance of Water
Water is one of the most abundant resources on Earth. It's essential for all forms of life. In ancient philosophy, water was considered the source of all life, with everything returning to water in the end.
Despite the large amount of water on Earth, only a small percentage is freshwater that we can actually use. Of the 14 billion cubic kilometers of water on Earth, 97.2% is salty seawater, while only 2.8% is freshwater. However, most of this freshwater is locked in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving just a tiny fraction for human use. The situation becomes even more challenging as water resources become increasingly scarce and polluted.
What Can We Do to Help?
We all know that water is essential, but how many of us actually think about conserving it in our daily lives? The truth is, saving water starts with us. If we all take small steps to reduce water usage, it can make a big difference.
Here are a few simple tips to save water:
1. Watering Plants: Instead of using fresh water, reuse water like rice washing water, tea water, or water from washing clothes.
2. Washing Small Items: When washing small objects like towels or fruits, use a basin instead of running the tap.
3. Adjusting the Toilet Tank: Lower the float ball in the toilet tank by about 2 centimeters to save nearly 2kg of water with each flush. Over a year, that adds up to saving around 3600kg of water.
4. Showering: Turn off the tap while applying soap in the shower. This can save up to 30kg of water per shower.
5. Hand Washing Clothes: Use a basin to wash clothes by hand instead of leaving the tap running. This can save three-quarters of the water.
6. Using the Washing Machine: Make sure to run the washing machine only when it's full. Running multiple smaller loads uses more water than one large load.
Water is a precious resource, and we need to be conscious of how we use it. World Water Day and China's Water Week are reminders to reflect on our water usage and find ways to conserve it. Every small action we take to save water can contribute to a better future for everyone.
So, Lykkers, let's do our part in conserving water today, not just on World Water Day but every day. By taking simple steps, we can all make a big difference in protecting this vital resource for future generations!
