The depletion of water sources in places around the world by 2040, will affect up to 600 million children worldwide, warns a UNICEF report released on March 22 to mark World Water Day.

The report titled ‘Thirsting for a Future: Water and children in a changing climate” focuses on how the wellbeing of children is threatened by lack of access to safe water and how a changing climate will worsen the situation in the future.

It says the most vulnerable and marginalized children will suffer the effects of climate change because millions of them currently live in areas with low access to safe water and sanitation.

UNICEF Executive Director, Anthony Lake, said that action must be taken now to stem the lack of access to safe water.

“Water is elemental; without it, nothing can grow. But around the world, millions of children lack access to safe water, endangering their lives, undermining their health, and jeopardizing their futures. This crises will only grow unless we take collective action now,” he said.

Pacific Islands

In the Pacific region, small island states are vulnerable to the changes in climate such as stronger cyclones and rising sea levels because of their small landmass and low-lying coastal areas. Most of these nations rely on groundwater sources, particularly Tonga.

“While surrounded by water, families living in Pacific Island countries face particular challenges in maintaining access to safe water and sanitation. These challenges include rapid population growth, urbanization and changing land-use patterns,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Sheldon Yett.

“Climate change poses further risks by increasing the frequency and intensity of natural hazards such as cyclones,” he added.

Sanitation

According to the report, globally around 663 million people don’t have access to adequate water sources and 946 million people still practice open defecation.

Over 800 children under the age of five die daily from diarrhea linked to insufficient water, sanitation and hygiene.

And women and girls spend 200 million hours collecting water daily.

To curb the impact limited access to water has on the lives of children, the report recommends governments should plan for changes in water availability and demand in the future, and prioritize children’s access to safe water above other water needs for better social and health results.

All water and sanitation related policies and services should include climate risks, especially targeting high-risk populations.

Businesses and communities also need to play a part in stopping contamination and decrease of safe water sources.

“In a changing climate, we must change the way we work to reach those who are most vulnerable. One of the most effective ways we can do that is safeguarding their access to safe water,” said Mr Lake.