The Stream, March 22: World Water Day Focuses On Jobs

The Global Rundown

Adequate supplies of clean water are critical for three quarters of all jobs globally, the United Nations has said. The U.N. is focusing on the connection between water and the economy as it celebrates World Water Day. A new study ranks countries based on their level of access to clean water, with Papua New Guinea coming in last. A drought continues to destroy harvests and push up food prices in southern Africa. Manila has received a loan to repair its water supply infrastructure, and Delhi is struggling to reduce private water mafias in the city. Michigan’s governor announced plans to make state drinking water regulations more stringent.

“It is totally immoral. Even in India’s capital, 65 years after independence, we can’t provide drinking water to our citizens–it’s shameful.” –Dinesh Mohaniya, member of the legislative assembly in Delhi, on the private ‘water mafia’ in the city that sells water for exorbitant prices. (Independent)

By The Numbers

$123.3 million Amount the Asian Development Bank will loan to the Philippines to repair and upgrade water supply infrastructure in Manila. Reuters

75 points Number in a new plan released by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to make state drinking water regulations more stringent in the wake of the lead contamination crisis in Flint. The Detroit News

Science, Studies, And Reports

Three out of four jobs and 1.5 billion people globally are in industries that are dependent on water, according to a report released by the United Nations. Today is World Water Day, and the theme of this year’s event focuses on the connection between water and jobs. Reuters

Approximately 60 percent of people living in Papua New Guinea do not have access to clean water, the highest percentage of any country, according to a report by WaterAid. In absolute terms, India has the highest number of people living without access to clean water. Guardian

On The Radar

As a drought continues to destroy harvests throughout southern Africa, prices are rising steeply for basic food commodities in the region. The increases come despite declines in global food prices from record highs earlier this decade. Bloomberg

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek