How can we reduce floods, droughts and water pollution? An unlikely answer? By using solutions we already have in nature. This simple answer has been staring us in the face for years; no need for rocket science.

Water-related crises around the world is driven by climate change, which together with other factors (mainly man-made) is damaging our environment. Floods, droughts and water pollution are all worsened by the fact that in our greed as humans we have degraded our vegetation, soil, rivers and lakes.

The theme for World Water Day 2018 is “Nature for Water”-exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21^st century, and on March 22^nd 2018, the United Nations General Assembly launched the International Decade for Action: Water for sustainable development (2018-2028).

It is jaw-dropping when you are hit with the fact that TODAY 2.1 billion people worldwide live without safe drinking water at home which impacts on their health, education and livelihoods. Can you imagine the number of people who do not have safe water for handwashing which essentially is life-saving? I am too scared to research that number but it could well make 3 billion look like child’s play.

2030 is only a decade and a couple of years away but it appears very challenging to ensure that everyone has access to safe water by this magical date. Protecting the natural environment and reducing pollution is also a tall order BUT we can scale this if we give it our all.

FACTS & FIGURES from The United Nations

• The world manages to outdo ourselves daily; over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused. (Sato et al, 2013)
• Poor sanitation and hygiene and unsafe water cause almost a million deaths annually and about 2 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery and typhoid. I surely can picture that and I guess you can too.

As we continue to destroy our water bodies, there is no way we will be able to reach any of our health goals. Water is extremely important for the functioning of man and the role of safe water cannot be underestimated. The human body will shut down, diseases will have a field day and life as we know it will crush and that will be no fluke unlike the Y2K scare almost two decades ago.

We need to plant new forests, reconnect rivers to floodplains, restore wetlands and eventually improve human health and livelihoods and we all have a role to play.

If we manage wastewater appropriately, it can be an affordable and sustainable source of water, energy, nutrients and other recoverable materials.

Dear partner in life, whenever you “abuse” water by wasting it , anytime you cut a tree instead of planting one, when you in your “wisdom” re-claim wetland to convert it to concrete for homes or offices or shops do remember you are playing a major role in ending life on Earth before our Maker’s appointed time.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials/St Andrews Clinic

(www.healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Kojo Essel is a Medical Doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition & Corrective Exercise.

Thought for the week – “Once AGAIN, torrential rains have hit the Accra Metropolis, creating heavy floods in various parts that have caused great havoc to lives and property. The team of ministers, the mayor of Accra, officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the security agencies are going round to ascertain the impact” –GNA, 2009

References:

• Water – useful but extremely destructive if “untamed” by Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

• www.worldwaterday.org/theme

• www.un.org/en/event/waterday