Image: UN Water
World Water Day (WWD) falls annually on March 22. However, because that date is a Saturday this year, many activities will take place on Friday, March 21. This year’s theme is “water and energy.” The oft-repeated phrasse “water-energy nexus” refers to the numerous interdependencies between water and energy; the two are inextricably linked and heavily influenced by climate change.
UN-Water, the United Nations’ inter-agency coordinating mechanism for all matters related to water and sanitation, has prepared a vast array of educational materials for WWD, including an in-depth advocacy guide with myriad tips on how to share key facts and messages. The day’s main celebrations are being held in Tokyo, Japan. Among the festivities, the World Water Development Report 2014 on Water and Energy will be launched, and the UN-Water “Water for Life” Best Practices Award will be given.
Overarching messages:
- Water requires energy and energy requires water.
- Supplies are limited and demand is increasing.
- Saving energy is saving water; saving water is saving energy.
- The “bottom billion” urgently need access to both water and sanitation services, and electricity.
- Improving water and energy efficiency in all sectors is imperative, as are coordinated, coherent and concerted policies.
Read more:
UPDATE: Officially launched: World Water Development Report 2014 on Water and Energy
UPDATE: 2014 UN-Water ‘Water for Life’ Best Practices Award goes to India and Singapore
World Water Day 2014 Documents and Information Sources
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