What is SDGs Goal 6?
SDGs Goal 6 is “Clean Water and Sanitation,” with its mission statement being “Ensure access to water and sanitation for all” by 2030.
This goal has eight targets and 11 indicators measuring the world’s success in this aspect. For example, the targets include:
- achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all;
- achieving access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations;
- improving water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
Worldwide, one in three people does not have access to safe drinking water, though it is a basic human right. Two out of five people do not have a basic hand-washing facility with soap and water. Hand washing can save lives because it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases like the coronavirus.
With climate change as one of the main causes, water-related disasters have become a serious issue in more places. Draughts and water scarcity are worsening in parts of the world, negatively impacting biodiversity and people’s lives.
On the other hand, water waste is another global issue. Although a dignified life only requires about 50 liters, an average person living in Japan uses more than 200 liters of water a day. Additionally, more than 80% of wastewater resulting from human activities is discharged into rivers or the sea without any pollution removal.
In 2021, the UN warned that 129 out of 195 countries in the world would not be able to secure sustainably managed water resources by 2030. In order to achieve the goal of ensuring access to water and sanitation for all, the current rate of progress needs to double.
Related links
[Reference] United Nations SDGs Page Goal 6Explore 17 SDGs
