World Water Day: 78% of all jobs depend on water
The UN report on the annual World Water Day highlights the link between water and work.
Today, on World Water Day, the UN reminds us that jobs and employment rates depend heavily on sustainable management of water resources, reliable water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
The UN report on water and work highlights that nearly half of the world's workforce is employed in highly water-dependent sectors. These include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, resource-intensive manufacturing, recycling and tourism. Another third of all jobs are moderately dependent on water - such as the recreation sector, transportation and the construction industry. Thus, a total of 78% of all jobs worldwide depend on water.
Water consumption increases annually
Since the 1980s, freshwater consumption has increased by around 1% per year - mainly due to growing consumption in emerging and developing countries. In the already highly developed countries, however, consumption is stable or even slightly declining.
The reasons for rising consumption are urbanization and rising living standards, which go hand in hand with higher demand for water, food (especially meat) and energy. Here, the report also sees growth opportunities for certain sectors, such as wastewater treatment.
At the same time, however, the UN warns: If fresh water becomes scarce, this could limit growth opportunities in the coming years and decades and prevent the creation of good jobs. If no infrastructure exists - as is still the case in many countries - regions and countries can be cut off from an adequate water supply. Moreover, if the available water is of poor quality, high financial resources will be eaten up by water treatment.
Climate change exacerbates scarcity
In addition, water scarcity could lead to crises in affected countries, for example when different consumer groups compete for the scarce resources. The scenario is also exacerbated by climate change, which is leading to a further shortage of water resources in many places.
Investing in water means investing in jobs
The UN sees investment in water supply as an indispensable prerequisite for economic growth and thus also for jobs. It is shown that there is a high correlation between such investments and national income; the same applies to the existing water storage capacity.
To the report (available in English and Spanish)
