FRESHWATER RESERVES DISCOVERED BENEATH SEABED

Concerns about the future of Earth’s water supply have been growing in recent years. More than 40 percent of the people on Earth already live in conditions of water scarcity, and the UN estimates that by 2030, nearly half of the world’s population will live under high water stress. Still, the numbers have failed to curb consumption, which in the past century has been growing at more than twice the rate of the population. Researchers say we may breathe a little easier though, as they have discovered vast freshwater reserves—an estimated 120,000 cubic miles (500,000 cubic kilometers) of low-salinitywater—beneath the ocean floor. More… Discuss

 

UN OBSERVES WORLD TOILET DAY

In the developed world, we tend to take sanitation for granted, but more than one-third of the people on Earth still lack access to essential sanitary facilities like bathrooms. Without proper sanitation, human waste contaminants enter the environment and water supply, leading to the spread of disease. Lack of access to bathroom facilities also compromises people’s dignityand safety and has been found to limit social and economic development. The issue is largely ignored, however, because publicly addressing toilets and bodily functions is generally considered taboo. So, in an effort to raise awareness and spur the international community to action, the UN yesterday observed World Toilet Day for the first time. More… Discuss