This year 16 October is the world food day, an annual event organized by the UN to talk about food, food security and to urge interventions for those suffering from hunger and lack of food. For the occasion, the theme chosen by the UN is the link between water and food, in fact this year's motto is: “Water is life. Water nourishes us. Don't leave anyone behind”.
It seems almost obvious to say that water is the main resource for living beings and for the planet, considered the white gold of the Earth, but what does this mean if we wanted to translate it into numbers? Of the 70% of water covering the earth's surface, only the 2,5% it is sweet and drinkable; of this 2,5%, only agriculture takes the 70% for irrigation. Everything we eat or choose to put on the table, starting from the way it is produced, it has an impact on the quality and quantity of water reserves.
Then, To have healthy food you need clean and abundant water, but to produce it, water resources are wasted and polluted. In recent decades we have witnessed a reduction of 20% of available fresh water and it is estimated that in 2025 we will find ourselves dealing with water scarcity; indeed, rapid population growth, urbanization, climate change and economic development are deteriorating water availability.
For everything there is also a downside: countries where there is plenty of water and it is wasted and countries where the quantity of water is so limited that it is not enough for everyone.
It is no coincidence that the UN chose this topic precisely because we need to realize what is happening in our ecosystem and the price we will pay in the future. Water is not an infinite resource, it is a limited resource with infinite value that man does not know how to valorise in the right way. Something can be done? Yes they can reduce food waste, prevent water pollution and choose local foods (we talked about it here https://www.noidiminerva.it/limpatto-del-cibo-sullambiente-verso-unalimentazione-sostenibile/)
However, it is also necessary to produce more food and other agricultural raw materials with smaller quantities of water, while ensuring that it is distributed equitably, safeguarding aquatic food systems and leaving no one behind. However, To make this possible, targeted actions are needed, effective strategies and more advanced technologies to guarantee greater protection of water resources.
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