All across the globe, communities are celebrating International World Water Day. This year’s theme is water and energy. The close relationship between water and energy cannot be overstated. The demand for both is growing and the supply of each is dwindling.
Water is an essential part of energy
generation and transmission. This is
particularly true for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources. Energy is also a crucial element of water access. At present about 8 percent of global energy is used for pumping, treating and transporting water.
The rapid growth of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” as it is colloquially called highlights the relationship between water and energy. Fracking uses and contaminates huge amounts of water.
The rampant growth of fracking makes understanding the water energy nexus of particular importance in the US and around the world. In addition to the connection to energy, water is an essential part of environmental health and it is indispensable to all the life forms on Earth.
Never has it been more important to wisely steward our precious resources. To help spread the word about responsible water stewardship click here to read World Water Day Advocacy Guide (pdf).
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