World Water Day 2012 - Water and Food Security

Written by Guest Blogger Rachael Hartzler


Thursday, March 22nd, marks the 19th annual World Water Day! 

What is World Water Day? International World Water Day has been in existence every year on March 22nd since it was initiated at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. The internationally recognized day spends each year focusing on different topics and relevant issues regarding freshwater, like water scarcity, water and disasters, and sanitation. Its ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and how to conserve and carefully manage it.

This year’s topic is “Water and Food Security” which focuses on issues like the amount of water in our food, how much food is wasted each year - thus how much water is wasted, and how to prevent the waste.

Check out a huge list of "How much Water is Needed" at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/worldwaterday2012/pool/

I assume some of you may have never heard of World Water Day either. This prompts the question of whether or not we really understand how valuable our knowledge and care of the world’s freshwater supply is. We are responsible for understanding how important freshwater is and taking every measurable means to wisely use just what we need and no more.

So, where does the problem lie? Are we simply uneducated about the scarcity of freshwater and how careless use of it could and is currently leaving devastating results around the world? Are we just naïve and ignorant to the actual amount of freshwater we use each day as individuals? Do we really understand that our planet has many places where people do not have the same luxuries of freshwater as in other places?

Check out this awesome video from World Water Day 2012 that might help answer some of these questions:

As International World Water Day approaches take some time to really think about all of these questions. Acquaint yourself with how much water you’re using on a daily basis (http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-footprint-calculator/) and challenge yourself to make necessary changes. 

We must realize our world is bigger than what we see on a daily basis. Educate yourself, advocate for those who do not have access to freshwater, and tell others about World Water Day. If you’ve read this, you’re responsible. Go make a difference!

All images and were taken from World Water Day's Website. To learn more about World Water Day 2012 go to: http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/index.html