“Meanwhile, climate change is wreaking havoc on water’s natural cycle. Greenhouse gas pollution continues to rise to all-time record levels, heating the world’s climate to dangerous levels. This is worsening water-related disasters, disease outbreaks, water shortages, and droughts, while inflicting damage to infrastructure, food production, and supply chains,” said the UN chief in a message marking World Water Day on Wednesday

Guterres said that the theme of this year’s World Water Day reminds humanity of the cost of these failures on the billions of people who lack access to safe water and sanitation.

“Out of every 100 people on earth, 25 fetch all their water from open streams and ponds — or pay high prices to buy water of dubious safety. 22 relieve themselves outdoors or use dirty, dangerous or broken latrines. And 44 see their wastewater flow back into nature untreated, with disastrous health and environmental consequences,” Guterres noted. “In short, our world is dramatically — and dangerously — off-track to reaching our goal of safely managed water and sanitation for all by 2030.”

Guterres underlined that the United Nations Water Conference is a critical moment for national governments, local and regional authorities, businesses, scientists, youth, civil society organizations, and communities to join forces, and co-design and invest in solutions to achieve clean water and sanitation for all.

UN Chief called on governments, businesses, and investors to take much bolder actions to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, with the G20 leading the way.

“We must break our addiction to fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy while supporting developing countries every step of the way,” he added. (ILKHA)