Picture by Souleymane Tangara
We
can’t
live
without
fresh
water.
Of
all
the
water
on
Earth,
only
2.5%
is
fresh
water,
most
of
which
is
trapped
in
ice
or
deep
underground.
But
more
and
more
of
it
is
becoming
contaminated
with
chemicals,
waste,
and
plastic.
Polluted
water
affects
everyone
who
comes
into
contact
with,
but
it
disproportionately
affects
vulnerable
populations
such
as
children,
pregnant
women,
and
the
elderly.
Pollutants
in
our
water
can
negatively
affect
crops
by
stunting
their
growth
or
making
them
unsafe
to
eat.
Aquatic
animals
are
especially
affected,
as
the
imbalance
in
their
ecosystem
disrupts
their
food
chain
and
may
cause
many
species
to
die
out
completely.
Similarly,
human
exposure
to
polluted
water
can
cause
many
different
health
problems,
including
gastrointestinal,
respiratory,
and
skin-related
issues.
To
find
out
more
and
see
how
you
can
get
involved,
check
out
our
partner
organizations.
Learn about other water challenges
Picture by Souleymane Tangara
Too little water
Water scarcity not only restricts access to safe drinking water but also hampers hygiene practices, particularly impacting women and children who bear the burden of water collection.
Picture by Souleymane Tangara
Too much water
Since 2000, flood-related disasters have surged by 134%, inflicting severe social and economic consequences.