Coping with Water Scarcity: World Water Day 2007

The convocation of nations in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 resulted in many actions by governments and citizens to protect our environment. One of them was the celebration of World Water Day.

A part of the U.N. Water for Life Decade, the World Water Day 2007 theme is "Coping with Water Scarcity." The theme recognizes what is becoming more and more clear: Water scarcity is a reality for many on our planet, and will become more prevalent as climate change takes its course.

The reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a compilation of scientific studies from around the world, points to the human causes of climate change. Beacon Press' newest publication, With Speed and Violence: Why Scientists Fear Tipping Points in Climate Change, by scientist Fred Pearce (author of When the Rivers Run Dry), sets out the dangers we collectively face.

The UNDP report card on human development published in November, "Beyond Scarcity: Power, Poverty, and the Global Water Crisis," calls us to action because the "water crisis" -- even given climate change -- is human made.

The UNDP says that the "water apartheid" that we have collectively allowed to come into being in our societies will be overcome by implementing the right to water. The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights posted a request for information to guide its upcoming study on the right to water.

Boston-area events in honor of World Water Day include this free film series.