Access To Clean Water Is A Key Concern For Most Americans, Survey Finds

Access to Clean and Safe Water a Top Concern for Americans, Study Finds

More than three quarters of Americans are more concerned about access to clean and safe water than other climate-related issues, according to a new international study.

Ecolab Watermark Study Highlights Concerns

The Ecolab Watermark study conducted in partnership with Morning Consult reveals that access to clean and safe water is a paramount concern for consumers in every region of the world.

1. 81% of surveyed Americans are concerned about access to clean and safe water.
2. Consumers believe businesses and governments have the highest level of responsibility for funding water conservation.
3. 65% of surveyed Americans agree that businesses and manufacturers lack clear guidance and plans to combat water scarcity.
4. Less than half of U.S. consumers believe that business and government leaders care about climate change or water conservation.
5. 70% of U.S. consumers remain optimistic that water scarcity can be effectively addressed.

Global Concerns and Consumer Actions

In Latin America, 92% of respondents prioritize access to clean and safe water over other climate-related issues, while in China that figure is 85%.

Consumers worldwide are willing to stop purchasing products that require a significant amount of water to produce and pay more for goods made using sustainable business practices.

• 88% of consumers in IMEA are willing to pay more for sustainable goods.

The study also reveals that three out of four respondents across the globe believe that water scarcity can be effectively addressed, with the highest optimism observed in Latin America (84%).

Water Scarcity and the Sustainable Development Goals

According to the World Resources Institute, the planet is projected to face a 56% water deficit by 2030, and 1.6 billion people will lack safely managed drinking water by 2030, according to the United Nations.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address water scarcity and ensure access to clean and safe water for all. SDG 6 specifically focuses on clean water and sanitation, aiming to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.

Industry’s Role in Addressing Water Challenges

Emilio Tenuta, Ecolab’s senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, emphasizes the importance of industry involvement in advocating and developing climate and water solutions. He states, “If industry is not at the table to advocate and develop climate and water solutions that protect our communities, we will continue to fuel consumer sentiment that we’re not doing enough.”

Will Sarni, founder and CEO of consultancy Water Foundry, highlights the opportunities for the private sector to address water challenges through innovation, investment, and engagement with their workforce and communities.

Call for Action: Nature-Based Solutions and EU Legislation

The WWF recently published a new study highlighting the impact of water mismanagement and degradation of freshwater ecosystems in Europe. It calls for a new climate adaptation agenda that prioritizes nature-based solutions to protect against climate hazards like drought.

The study also urges the swift adoption of the EU Nature Restoration Law to preserve water in the landscape through free-flowing rivers, restored wetlands, and floodplains.

Claire Baffert, senior water policy officer, emphasizes the importance of restoring nature to maintain water availability for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystem health.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Access to clean and safe water: The article mentions that 81% of those surveyed in the U.S. are concerned about access to clean and safe water.
• Businesses and manufacturers lacking clear guidance and plans to combat water scarcity: The article states that almost two thirds (65%) of those surveyed in the U.S. agreed with this statement.
• Consumer willingness to stop purchasing water-intensive products and pay more for sustainable goods: The article mentions that consumers are willing to take these actions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: forbes.com

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