Water and Social Justice

Due to population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change, access to freshwater is an increasingly urgent issue in many parts of the world. The problem is especially severe in arid and semi-arid regions in developing countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. However, the problem also affects people in some areas of the United States and other countries with temperate climates. Many people with insufficient access to safe freshwater are at increased risk of disease from consumption of water that is contaminated with microorganisms or hazardous chemicals. Conflicts over water are increasing, with many having the potential to become violent. This presentation will analyze these issues and what public health workers can do to address them, including promoting cooperation among nations and groups within nations to ensure access to adequate supplies of freshwater -- an approach that may help to build sustainable peace.