WWF calls for active action by the entire society to work together to reverse the sustained loss of freshwater ecosystems

Tech 2023-10-20 06:28:25 Source: Network

On October 16th, the non-governmental environmental protection organization WWF released its latest report, "The High Cost of Cheap Water," which pointed out that water resources are one of the most precious resources in the world, but their value is severely underestimated. The annual economic value of water resources and freshwater ecosystems is about $58 trillion, equivalent to 60% of global GDP

On October 16th, the non-governmental environmental protection organization WWF released its latest report, "The High Cost of Cheap Water," which pointed out that water resources are one of the most precious resources in the world, but their value is severely underestimated. The annual economic value of water resources and freshwater ecosystems is about $58 trillion, equivalent to 60% of global GDP. However, the declining health status of global freshwater ecosystems poses more risks and challenges to these values.

The report shows that since 1970, one-third of the world's wetlands have been lost, and the average wild population of freshwater animals and plants has decreased by 83%. This downward trend has led to the drying up of rivers and lakes, increased pollution, and reduced freshwater fishing, leaving more and more people facing water scarcity and food security issues. It also exacerbates economic pressure and weakens global efforts to reverse natural loss and address the intensification of climate change.

Dr. Kirsten Schuijt, Global Director General of WWF, pointed out that, Water is the cornerstone that supports the common future of humanity, and WWF's report reveals the enormous potential value of water resources and freshwater ecosystems to the global economy and environment. Healthy rivers, lakes, and wetlands are crucial for water and food security, addressing climate change, and maintaining biodiversity, while also providing invaluable cultural and spiritual value to people around the world

The degradation of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and underground aquifers is threatening the value provided by freshwater resources, while also undermining climate and natural actions and progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Freshwater ecosystems are threatened by unsustainable water resource utilization, changes in water flow, pollution, and climate change related impacts. Two thirds of the world's largest rivers no longer flow freely, and wetlands disappear at a rate three times that of forests.

The destruction of freshwater ecosystems, coupled with poor water resource management, deprives billions of people worldwide of access to clean water and sanitation facilities, while businesses and economies face increasing water risks. By 2050, approximately 46% of global GDP may come from regions facing high water risks (current data is 10%).

On May 27, 2023 local time, several cows rested by Lake Yojoa, 140 kilometers north of Tegucigalpa in Honduras. Honduras launched a plan on May 30, 2023 to save its largest freshwater nature reserve, Lake Yojoa, which is threatened by aquaculture, agricultural activities, deforestation, and other environmental damage. Visual China Information Map

A healthy freshwater ecosystem provides us with drinking water, is also the foundation of food security, maintains biodiversity, and provides a buffer and barrier for the increasing impact of climate change, "said Lu Lunyan, Chief Representative of WWF Beijing Representative Office.

In order to address the global water crisis, WWF calls on governments, businesses, and financial institutions to increase investment in sustainable water infrastructure as soon as possible. At the same time, the entire society should take active actions to work together to reverse the continuous loss of freshwater ecosystems. Enterprises must transform their water use methods, expand collective actions, and build more resilient watersheds.

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