Tehran festival to promote water ethics, awareness

The Education Department in Iran’s capital city of Tehran will host the first Mehr-e Ab, a festival focusing on the city’s ongoing water crisis. The country has been crippled by a water shortage caused by climate change, low rainfall and poor water management. Officials hope the festival will bring awareness to water ethics as well as educate teachers and students on the importance of water conservation.

Read more here: ‘Mehr-e Ab’ festival to promote water consumption ethics among teachers, students

UN funds project to help poor countries adjust to climate change

The United Nations’ Green Climate Fund is aimed at helping poor countries adjust to climate change. The initiative will fund projects including: the development of clean energy technology, an education program on the potential impact of climate change, solutions to water shortages and projects to preserve wetlands.

Read more on The Green Climate Fund in the articles below:

Yahoo News – U.N. climate fund approves first projects ahead of Paris summit

Bloomberg News – UN Green Climate Fund Approves First Projects for $168 Million

 

 

Water crisis could have been prevented

South Africa’s water crisis could have been prevented. Plagued by persistent drought caused by El Nino, the country is facing its worst water crisis, with no end in sight. Experts from the University of South Africa say the crisis could have been prevented – had measures been taken when the potential for drought was brought to authorities back in 2012.

What can be done to ease South Africa’s water crisis?

Read more here: Water crisis could have been prevented – expert

 

El Nino to blame for water shortage in Vietnam

El Nino is to blame for low rainfall and a shortened rainy season in Vietnam. The water level in the Dau Tieng Reservoir is much lower as a result. Experts warn that 10 million people will be affected if fresh water resources are reduced or shut off. Resources will be prioritized for tap water services first, then aquatic farms, meaning crop farmers (such as rice) to identify other alternatives during the water crisis.

Read more here: Water crisis looms as short monsoon, El Nino hit southern reservoir

Water Crisis in India forces hospitals to postpone surgeries, patient care

A water shortage in the Indian city of Chennai has affected the water supply to local hospitals, forcing doctors to delay patient care and, in some cases, postpone surgeries. These hospitals rely on the city to supply water. But, with the region in the midst of a severe water crisis, the water supply is minimal and, in some areas, has been halted for two to three days.

Read more here: Water Shortage Forces Hospitals to Postpone Surgeries

 

How to avert a global water crisis?

Current global water usage is unsustainable. Recent studies show that 70% of the world’s fresh water is being used for agriculture, while many countries – including the U.S. – are using 40% for energy production. How much is left for drinking water?

Water usage and allocation has become a hot-button issue. What can be done to avoid a water crisis globally?

Read more here: Water shortage is one of the top global risks, how can we avert it?

Arizona initiative tackles future water shortage

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has launched an initiative to help curb the state’s long-term water shortages. The initiative calls for the Department of Water Resources to investigate water use on a local level, studying areas of neglect, conservation efforts and infrastructure.

Read more here: Ducey Launches Initiative To Tackle Projected Water Shortage

Central Asia to experience water crisis in 35 years – From AzerNews

The sharp seven-fold growth of the population of the Earth in the twentieth century has created one of the gravest global problems of present – the lack of fresh water, the source of all life.

Around the world, 748 million people lack access to a clean drinking water source, while billions more lack drinking water that barely meet safety standards, according to a UN report released in 2015.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) forecasts that more than 4 billion people will be living under serious water shortages by the mid-2030.

Read more here: Central Asia to experience water crisis in 35 years