Quoting UNEP's recently released third Global Environment Outlook report
(GEO-3), Mr. Toepfer said 1.1 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion lack access to improved sanitation. According to GEO-3, 2.2 million people die every year from diarrhoeal diseases, such as cholera and dysentery caused by contaminated water. And, malaria alone is responsible for 1-2 million deaths annually.
(GEO-3), Mr. Toepfer said 1.1 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion lack access to improved sanitation. According to GEO-3, 2.2 million people die every year from diarrhoeal diseases, such as cholera and dysentery caused by contaminated water. And, malaria alone is responsible for 1-2 million deaths annually.
"GEO-3 paints a worrying picture on many fronts", Mr. Toepfer said. "By 2020, water use is expected to increase by 40 per cent, and 17 per cent more water will be required for food production to meet the needs of the world's growing population."
"The bottom line, however, is that without adequate clean water, there can be no escape from poverty", he said.
"The bottom line, however, is that without adequate clean water, there can be no escape from poverty", he said.
Because of its contribution to economic growth and reducing poverty, achieving food security, improving environmental health conditions and protecting ecosystems, water played a central role in the Millennium Declaration goals.
The challenge before all delegations at the Johannesburg Summit is to find ways to maximize the social and economic benefits from available water resources, while ensuring that basic human needs are met and the
environment is protected.
The challenge before all delegations at the Johannesburg Summit is to find ways to maximize the social and economic benefits from available water resources, while ensuring that basic human needs are met and the
environment is protected.