Browsing Tag

UN-Water

2 posts

UN’s global disaster alert systems goal faces uphill climb

The UN’s goal to cover every person on the planet with early warning systems by 2027 is facing challenges as it requires more data and expertise. Building early warning systems involves assessing risks using meteorological data, forecasting impending problems using modelling, preparing populations ahead of time, and sending out alerts to those expected to be impacted. Unique issues arise at each step, including a lack of local expertise, digitizing weather data that only exists on paper, and getting alerts to remote populations.

Drought, floods and sickness: Key takeaways from UN’s water report

UN warns of an imminent global water crisis with billions of people experiencing water-related issues daily. Global water consumption has increased by 1% per year, leading to the depletion of between 26-52 trillion gallons of reserves annually. Climate change-exacerbated water shortages could cost some regions up to 6% of GDP by 2050. Agricultural runoff is threatening freshwater ecosystems, and major investments, estimated to cost over $1 trillion per year, are needed to achieve access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.