Access to water in a warmer world
G8 leaders gather for a photocall in Germany
Credit: Federal Government/Gebhardt
End Water Poverty has warned the G8 that access to water will be the first casualty of not tackling climate change.
In sub-Saharan Africa, lack of access to water already results in 5000 children dying every day. With further water shortages predicted it will be the poorest of the poor who suffer first and inevitably suffer the most.
Stephen Turner, Policy Director at WaterAid and EWP coalition member, said from the summit:
"The hot topic here is climate change. The UN's latest Human Development Report clearly states the case for governments to tackle the global water crisis, yet the leaders of the richest and most powerful nations in the world have failed to acknowledge this utterly preventable crisis. Inaction now can only lead to a worstening of the crisis.
"So, it's a waiting game, the trouble is the world can't wait much longer. All eyes are on the G8 leaders to see if they can act responsibly and decisively for the good of future generations - rich and poor"
Sanitation
Meanwhile, the world cannot wait to go to the toilet whilst G8 leaders quarrel over the next list of impressive but ultimately empty promises. The lack of toilets in schools is depriving millions of girls an education. Reports prove that at least 11% more girls attend school when toilets are provided.
The UN’s latest Human Development Report made the case for urgent action on sanitation. Without action the sanitation Millennium Development Goal (MDG) will not be met in Africa for at least two generations. Yet both water and sanitation have been overlooked again at this year’s G8 summit.
Every year the G8 make commitments to international development and every year promises are broken.
If the leaders of the world’s richest nations are serious about their responsibility to the poor they must agree to a binding programme of monitoring and accountability. Successful development requires integrated plans investing in all essential services; health, education, water and sanitation.
Endnotes
For interviews with Stephen Turner, WaterAid Policy Director, call +44 (0)7789698517
The Millennium Development Goals
There are eight Millennium Development Goals, adopted in 2000 and with a target date of 2015.
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
2. Achieve universal primary education.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women.
4. Reduce child mortality.
5. Improve maternal health.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability.
8. Develop a global partnership for development.
For further information about the MDGs, see www.undp.org/mdg/