Global Goal 6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Global Goal 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right. Yet, billions of people around the world lack access to these essential resources. According to the World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, while 4.2 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services.

The consequences of this lack of access are dire. Without clean water, people are at risk of contracting waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever. Without proper sanitation facilities, human waste can contaminate water sources, leading to further disease transmission. Additionally, the burden of collecting water falls disproportionately on women and children, who often have to walk long distances to fetch water for their families.

What progress has been made on Global Goal 6?

First off, we've made some headway on access to clean water. The number of people who have access to an improved water source has increased from 4.8 billion in 2000 to 6.6 billion in 2019. That's a lot of people who now have access to something so basic, yet so essential!

We've also improved sanitation facilities. The proportion of the global population using improved sanitation facilities has increased from 59% in 2000 to 71% in 2019. That means more people have access to proper toilets, which is a huge win for public health and hygiene.

And speaking of public health, we've made efforts to increase awareness and education about proper hygiene practices and the importance of clean water and sanitation. That's important because it means people are more likely to adopt good hygiene practices and prevent the spread of diseases.

But, of course, there's still a lot of work to do. Climate change is causing water scarcity in many regions, and conflicts over water resources can lead to instability and insecurity. And financing for water infrastructure remains a challenge in many countries.

What can kids do to help with Global Goal 6?

1. Conserve water: Kids can start by conserving water at home by turning off the tap while brushing their teeth, taking shorter showers, and fixing any leaks.
2. Learn about water scarcity: Kids can learn about the importance of water conservation and the impact of water scarcity on communities around the world. They can read books, watch documentaries, or visit museums to learn more.
3. Raise awareness: Kids can use their voice to raise awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation. They can talk to their friends, family, and community members about the issue and encourage them to take action. Let's talk about Clean Water and Sanitation in the classroom! Check out our interactive teaching resources.