Vieraskynä
Terhi Kivinen, Kemira: Water is life
Access to clean and safe water is essential for all life on earth. Water covers 71 % of the earth’s surface, which might seem that water is plentiful on our blue planet, but in reality, we only have access to a small fraction of this colossal volume. This is because just 2.5 % of it is fresh water of which 1.7 % is locked up in glaciers and ice caps.
Population growth, urbanization, and the increase in water consumption mean that the natural water cycle can no longer manage water pollution by itself. Currently, more than 80 % of the wastewater produced globally is discharged back into rivers and seas without any treatment, causing vast challenges to people and the environment.
Private sector water specialist companies that provide water treatment solutions play a critical role in rebalancing the water cycle. Working across academia, industry, municipalities, and drinking and wastewater treatment plants, we help reduce the strain on life below water, life on land, and societies. Today, Kemira’s products and solutions are helping to treat 21 Bm³ of water which is comparable to the annual consumption of clean and safe water of more than 370 million people in cities such as Los Angeles, Madrid, Stockholm, Helsinki, Miami, and Berlin.
The global water crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. With over two billion people living without access to safe drinking water and sanitation, it’s clear that action needs to be taken in order for us to reach the goals of SDG6 (clean water and sanitation). Companies around the world have a unique opportunity to help solve this problem by taking steps towards sustainability and investing in solutions that promote equitable access to clean water.
Waters don’t know borders. Therefore, global collaboration in the water agenda across the public and private sectors, NGOs and academia is crucial to the international dialogue around water themes. Cross-sector collaboration allows Kemira to support and offer water management solutions and advocate for stricter environmental limits and harmonized regulation. In R&D, companies can and should actively collaborate with universities, research centers and scientists to find new solutions to water agenda issues.
Safe and clean water belongs to all. Without water there is no life. Safe drinking water, sanitation and environmental water concerns can be better managed if public and private sector, NGO’s and the research community work together in bringing solutions. The UN water focus is critical for sustainable development, water issues and managing the adverse effects of climate change that affect everyone globally. Kemira will participate in the UN Water Conference 2023 dialogues held on 22–24 March to advance the global water action agenda. We welcome the opportunity to strengthen the connection between the various parties including the public sector, companies, NGOs, and academia.
It will be the first water related UN conference in 46 years and serves as an important platform for the delegates all over the world to unite and take the Water Action Agenda forward by committing to action and ensure sustainable implementation.
For more information, please visit Kemira.