Last year’s “Day Zero” scare, when Cape Town, South Africa’s taps nearly ran dry, captured the world’s attention and spurred conversations about the global scarcity of water. Now, even major cities like London are facing impending water shortages. For the first time, more people are beginning to consider what it might be like to live in a world… Continue reading Women Are Water Warriors
Tag: Global Water Crisis Facts
Global Water Crisis Facts
1. More than 9 billion people live in “potentially severely water-scarce areas,” according to the United Nations. That is more than 27 percent of all human beings alive right now.
Factoid: “Water scarcity” is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a designated region.
2. More than 1 billion people have no access to safely managed drinking water. Not “some access.” Not “limited access.” They have no access.
Factoid: Safely managed drinking water is water that:
- comes from an improved source located on premises,
- is available when needed,
- and is free from microbiological and priority chemical contamination.
3. More than 263 million people must travel more than 30 minutes each way to collect and carry their daily water needs.
Factoid: “Travel” usual means on foot.
Factoid: 30 minutes is the minimum time used for the standard calculation. Many travel several hours each way.
A Look at the Planet (The Supply)
We are all familiar with the phrase coined by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his “Rime of the Ancient Mariner:” “Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.” That could describe the demand side of the global water crisis.
4. 5 percent of the surface water on the earth is the salt water contained in the oceans.
5. 7 percent of the remaining 3.5 percent of the total global water supply is fresh water that is locked away in glaciers, polar ice caps, and permanent snow.
6. Only 30.1 percent of the freshwater is usable, but not necessarily clean. This is the total surface water available for human use.
Factoid: Only slightly more than 1 percent of all the water on earth is available for personal human use.
Global Water Crisis Facts
Gospel for Asia Weighs In on Water
WILLS POINT, TX – Realizing that World Water Day was fast approaching on March 22nd, I reread Gospel for Asia’s special report, “Dying of Thirst: The Global Water Crisis.” I read the report a couple of weeks ago, which was published March 1, but I wanted to prepare my heart to pray for the third… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Weighs In on Water
Another Miracle on the Sea of Galilee
KINNERET – Millions of tourists visit Lake Kinneret in Israel every year. They visit because, since Biblical times and amongst Christians today, it is known as the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee and the surrounding areas have been the sites of much of Jesus’ earthly ministry and many of His miracles recording in… Continue reading Another Miracle on the Sea of Galilee
World Help Provides Clean Water to Victims of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe
FOREST, VA. — One organization is meeting the immediate needs of a community stricken by a recent disaster while simultaneously providing for the water needs of communities around the world. World Help, the Virginia-based international humanitarian organization, has activated its disaster response program to provide clean water to the victims of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe.… Continue reading World Help Provides Clean Water to Victims of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe
The Elixir of Life Is Now a Leading Cause of Death
NEW YORK – Commenting on World Water Day (March 22), the Secretary-General of the United Nations said, “2.1 billion people live without safe water . . . By 2030, an estimated 700 million people worldwide could be displaced by intense water scarcity.” It is insightful, if not interesting, that we can infer from the Secretary-General’s… Continue reading The Elixir of Life Is Now a Leading Cause of Death
Measuring Ministry on the Mission Field
“A sustainable outcome is the ability to continue a defined behavior indefinitely.” —Sustainability Outcomes “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” —Peter Drucker, business leader and author WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – The two opening quotes are truths that cannot be ignored whether improving your golf game, building a… Continue reading Measuring Ministry on the Mission Field
Just a Teaspoon of Water – Gospel for Asia Discusses World Water Day
LONDON – Millions of families in abject poverty, especially those living in the 10/40 window across Africa and Asia are unlikely to have access to clean drinking water. Therefore, they suffer the most. This is and has been an issue close to the heart of Gospel for Asia (GFA) for most of its 40 years.… Continue reading Just a Teaspoon of Water – Gospel for Asia Discusses World Water Day
Gospel for Asia’s “Jesus Wells” Aim to Quench Thirst of Suffering Communities in Asia
Gospel for Asia Spotlights Chronic Shortages of Clean Drinking Water During World Water Day March 22nd WILLS POINT, TX — Faith-based humanitarian agency Gospel For Asia today announced plans to drill more than 4,000 of its unique “Jesus Wells” in the neediest communities in Asia this year, as World Water Day on March 22 spotlights… Continue reading Gospel for Asia’s “Jesus Wells” Aim to Quench Thirst of Suffering Communities in Asia
Dying of Thirst: the Global Clean Water Crisis
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) Special Report on the global clean water crisis: Discussing the crucial quest for access to clean drinking water. The widespread lack of clean water is a crisis we can’t ignore. The statistics are mind-numbing. 502,000 people die each year from diarrhea—caused by unsafe drinking water.[1] 2.1 billion… Continue reading Dying of Thirst: the Global Clean Water Crisis
Top 10 Countries with the Worst Water Crisis
WILLS POINT, TX – March 22nd is set aside every year as World Water Day. Throughout the month and beyond, Missions Box will feature news, statistics, and human-interest stories that draw attention to multiple facets of the global crisis. This article shares insights into the Top 10 countries where the water crisis is worst. #10… Continue reading Top 10 Countries with the Worst Water Crisis
The Most Unusual Church in the World
KIBERA, KENYA – With a fluctuating population of nearly a million people, Kibera is the largest slum in Kenya and one of the largest in the world. It is home to one of the most unusual churches in the world. The Unhealthy Conditions in Kibera Most families in Kibera live in rented 12’ x 12’… Continue reading The Most Unusual Church in the World
Gospel for Asia: Urgent Action Needed to Combat Global Water Crisis
‘Dying of Thirst’ Special Report Says Urgent Action Needed to Combat Deadly Waterborne Diseases and Critical Water Shortage. WILLS POINT, TX — An eye-opening report from Gospel for Asia (GFA), a leading faith-based humanitarian agency, has revealed key new insights into a critical survival issue – what experts are calling a “worldwide water crisis” that… Continue reading Gospel for Asia: Urgent Action Needed to Combat Global Water Crisis
Spotlight on Chosen Children Ministries
MANAGUA – Chosen Children Ministries is a faith-based, non-profit organization focused on reaching families and communities in Nicaragua. Its methodology is unique in that the organization has field staff in two locations within the country through which it utilizes teams of volunteers from evangelical churches, schools, universities, and businesses to expand its outreach. Because Nicaragua… Continue reading Spotlight on Chosen Children Ministries
Universal Access to Clean Water Improving but Still an Upstream Struggle
MUMBAI – The supply of clean water is a world-wide issue. Access to and availability of clean water is so common to American households that we rarely think about it. Turn on the tap. Out flows safe, clean, potable water. Even when Gospel for Asia (GFA) and other NGOs explain the need for clean drinking water… Continue reading Universal Access to Clean Water Improving but Still an Upstream Struggle
Swine Fever Rapidly Spreading in China
SHANGHAI – Channel NewsAsia has reported that African swine fever has spread rapidly to more than half of China’s provinces despite measures to contain it. A joint statement was issued by the ministries of agriculture, transport, and public security on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, stating that: The African swine fever prevention and control situation is… Continue reading Swine Fever Rapidly Spreading in China
What You Can Do About The Scandal of Manual Scavenging
DELHI – If “manual scavenging” sounds like it might be a fun game like a scavenger hunt, think again. Manual scavenging is a scandalous practice prevalent in South Asia even though it is illegal. According to the United Nations in India, Manual scavenging refers to the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or handling in… Continue reading What You Can Do About The Scandal of Manual Scavenging
Weekly Water Watch: Wood-to-Energy Deployed Water
One WEDEW unit can produce 2,000 liters of water per day Welcome to the first of a regular series of news articles to be published by Missions Box News (MBN) on the subject of clean, safe-to-drink water and clean water scarcity worldwide. It is part of a metamorphosis at Missions Box News to raise awareness on… Continue reading Weekly Water Watch: Wood-to-Energy Deployed Water
GFA-supported Relief Help Needed More Than Ever as Drought, Earthworm Crises Follow Kerala Flooding
Supplies, encouragement and relief-camp-wedding meal remind flood victims that ‘God has not forgotten you’ WILLS POINT, Texas — With thousands still reeling from the impact of historic flooding, a second major crisis drying up wells and killing helpful earthworms has heightened the need for GFA’s (Gospel for Asia) ongoing relief help in India’s Kerala state.… Continue reading GFA-supported Relief Help Needed More Than Ever as Drought, Earthworm Crises Follow Kerala Flooding
Access to Clean Water for Siksa
SIKSA, Pakistan – The World Health Organization estimates that more than a third of the people in Pakistan lack access to safe drinking water. It is a problem all too common for countries in South Asia and the 10/40 window. The village of Siksa is an example of how things change when clean water becomes… Continue reading Access to Clean Water for Siksa
Too Much? Too Little? Too Late? South Asia’s Growing Water Crisis
INDIA – South Asia and the Indian subcontinent seem to be facing a perennial water crisis that may be getting worse rather than better. The problem is complex. It is not simply that there is too much or too little. While there is flooding in some regions there is a drought in others. Where there… Continue reading Too Much? Too Little? Too Late? South Asia’s Growing Water Crisis
On Front Lines of Women’s Empowerment and Providing Clean Water, Gospel for Asia Celebrates Its 39th Anniversary by Releasing 2017 Highlights
In 2017, Gospel for Asia (GFA) and its worldwide affiliates working in 18 Asian nations addressed women’s issues by empowering more than 350,000 women through various ministry efforts and installed 4,673 clean-water wells. Wills Point, Texas, Discussing Women’s Issues in Asia — This month, 39 years ago, Dr. KP Yohannan founded the organization Gospel for… Continue reading On Front Lines of Women’s Empowerment and Providing Clean Water, Gospel for Asia Celebrates Its 39th Anniversary by Releasing 2017 Highlights
Shocking New Report on Clean Water from WaterAid
LONDON – WaterAid, the international NGO that is driving the United Nations sustainable goal to provide clean water for the entire global population by 2030, has just released a shocking new report. Based on current status and progress, the report claims that the goal is unreachable within the allotted time. Using data provided by the… Continue reading Shocking New Report on Clean Water from WaterAid
Israel Facing Water Crisis but Willing to Share
JERUSALEM – Drought and water shortages are plaguing nations all around the world. Blame it on whatever you choose, the need to provide adequate amounts of clean, sweet, potable water must be addressed before the local and regional water crises become a global, life-threatening crisis. Israel faces a potential crisis as the Sea of Galilee,… Continue reading Israel Facing Water Crisis but Willing to Share
Gospel for Asia’s Special Report Spotlights Major Health Crisis That Also Opens Door to Demonstrate the Love of Christ
GFA (Gospel for Asia) highlights need for more toilets to cut avoidable death toll, in first of challenging series looking at major social issues. WILLS POINT, Texas—Missionary organization Gospel for Asia (GFA) is calling attention to a usually ignored, delicate subject at the heart of much of its caring work—a lack of toilets. In the… Continue reading Gospel for Asia’s Special Report Spotlights Major Health Crisis That Also Opens Door to Demonstrate the Love of Christ
Politics and the Global Water Crisis – The Indus River Tributaries
KARACHI – According to Asia Times, “Pakistan is bracing for a grave water crisis because of climate change and India’s tacit ‘control and management policy’ on the flow of water from the Himalaya-Karakorum mountain range into the Indus Valley.” This site has repeatedly reported on the global clean water crisis, including the Day Zero that… Continue reading Politics and the Global Water Crisis – The Indus River Tributaries
The Heat Is on in South Asia
SOUTH ASIA (May 23, 2018) – Pakistan and India are being afflicted with intensely hot weather that is affecting residents throughout both countries. Unfortunately, the term “hot weather” does not translate into every American English any easier than if we were reading it in Hindi. The subcontinent has been experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.… Continue reading The Heat Is on in South Asia
The Campaign for Clean Water Continues in India
NEW DELHI – The Press Information Bureau of the Government of India issued separate press releases today concerning the status of the nation’s water supply and its continuing efforts and progress in its campaign for clean water, to provide and maintain clean water nationwide in India. In a nation the size of India, achieving the… Continue reading The Campaign for Clean Water Continues in India
World Water Crisis Is Affecting South Asia
NEW DELHI – As the world moves on to other matters following World Water Day, the World Water Forum, and Cape Town’s postponement of ‘Day Zero’ until 2019, a global water crisis continues, nonetheless. A crisis already exists for many people in South Asia and there are indications that conditions could get worse before they… Continue reading World Water Crisis Is Affecting South Asia
Gospel for Asia Says Growing Global Water Crisis Demands ‘Christ-Like Response’
Regardless of economy, nations worldwide face need for better sources of clean water, providing opportunity to show God’s love and care: GFA (Gospel for Asia) article WILLS POINT, Texas—Best known for its work helping the underprivileged in poverty-stricken parts of the world, GFA (Gospel for Asia) is spotlighting a universal crisis that unites all nations:… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Says Growing Global Water Crisis Demands ‘Christ-Like Response’
Turning Soap Into Clean Water
With the world facing a clean water crisis, technology companies, governments and NGOs are working to find ways to provide clean water for people in a place where clean water is either in short supply or non-existent. The United Nations even sponsors a World Water Day. While cutting-edge technology is trying exotic methods to capture… Continue reading Turning Soap Into Clean Water
Finding Solutions to Humanity’s Need for Pure, Safe Drinking Water in a Global Clean Water Crisis
Global Clean Water Crisis – a Special Report by Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Written By Karen Burton Mains The “Blue Marble” photo of Earth shot from Apollo 17, the last of NASA’s Apollo missions as the rocket ship was hurtling toward the moon, wasn’t the first satellite image of our planet, but it was the… Continue reading Finding Solutions to Humanity’s Need for Pure, Safe Drinking Water in a Global Clean Water Crisis
Taking the “Die” Out of Diarrhea
Diarrhea. Just say the word out loud and watch people cringe. It is so sickening that no one wants to hear about it, let alone have it. One of America’s most trusted healthcare websites, WebMD, says, When you have diarrhea, your bowel movements (or stools) are loose and watery. It’s very common and usually not… Continue reading Taking the “Die” Out of Diarrhea
Kenya Clearing the Way to a Cleaner Country
NAIROBI – Officials in Kenya are serious about cleaning up the country to make it a healthier place. This is especially true in the case of their campaign to become an Open Defecation Free (ODF)region. There are many ways to approach providing more sanitary conditions, but Kenya may be taking a couple of approaches that… Continue reading Kenya Clearing the Way to a Cleaner Country
Water Can Be Dangerous to Your Health
What if every day you turned on your faucet and risked becoming seriously ill from drinking the water? That is a question posed on the website of Water for Thirty Thousand. It is a question that needs to be asked of all of use in the Western world. We take water for granted whether it… Continue reading Water Can Be Dangerous to Your Health
Water: Human Right or Necessity?
Developing a broader awareness of various global water crises during the month of March has been prompted, in part, by the UN’s Annual World Water Day on March 22nd. Gospel for Asia has contributed several articles intended to bring attention to the drought in South Africa, the meeting of the World Water Forum in Brasilia,… Continue reading Water: Human Right or Necessity?
Clean Water Is an Issue for 12 of the World’s Major Cities
Several billion people around the world live without sufficient access to clean water. Over one billion people lack water supplies. Another 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Read Gospel for Asia’s Special Report on The Global Clean Water Crisis here. A 2014 survey of the world’s 500 largest… Continue reading Clean Water Is an Issue for 12 of the World’s Major Cities
[Update] Cape Town Defers Day Zero to 2019 – Why?
CAPE TOWN – Officials have deferred what was once considered the impending Day Zero for Cape Town water supplies from July 11th until an undetermined date in 2019. The news has left the public and much of the news media scratching their heads and wondering why. As far as anyone can tell, nothing has changed.… Continue reading [Update] Cape Town Defers Day Zero to 2019 – Why?
Gospel for Asia Releases 8,000 Word Special Report on World Water Day
WILLS POINT, Texas – Gospel for Asia has just released a significant Special Report in conjunction with the international observance of World Water Day on March 22nd. If we take anything for granted, it is water. Like the air, it is always there. With water being so commonly available, why would there even be a… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Releases 8,000 Word Special Report on World Water Day
8th Annual World Water Forum Begins Today in Brazil
BRASILIA – The World Water Conference opened this morning (March 19) in the capital city of Brazil. An estimated 40,000 people, including 15 heads of state, are expected to attend to discuss the growing crisis with the world’s water supplies. Thursday, March 22nd, is World Water Day. Brazilian President Michel Temer opened the conference with… Continue reading 8th Annual World Water Forum Begins Today in Brazil
BioSand Water Filters Bring Hope and Better Health to Asian Families in Need
“Water is life, and clean water is health.” — Audrey Hepburn Clean, pure water. It really is the stuff of life. And it’s such a non-issue in the Western world. When you need a drink, you turn on the tap. But for millions of men, women and children living in India, access to clean water… Continue reading BioSand Water Filters Bring Hope and Better Health to Asian Families in Need
How South Africans Live on Only 50 Liters of Water Per Day
CAPE TOWN –The water crisis in South Africa continues unabated. Officials have declared a state of emergency, but that is, arguably, because of the danger not only to the citizens but also because of the rising and potential damage to the economy. Moody’s, the international credit rating agency, estimates agricultural production in the Western Cape… Continue reading How South Africans Live on Only 50 Liters of Water Per Day
World Water Watch: India Citizens Saving Gottigere Lake
BANGALORE – There is not always something that local citizens can do to remedy the problem of polluted water. However, residents of Bangalore who live alongside Gottigere Lake have banded together to reclaim the polluted water and return the lake to its once-pristine condition. In view of World Water Day on March 22nd, here is… Continue reading World Water Watch: India Citizens Saving Gottigere Lake
The Funny Thing About Water Isn’t Funny at All
For most who read this article, the thought of water evokes images in the mind of a thirst-quenching drink. If we spend a few minutes pondering the world of water, we might think about idyllic, picturesque lakes and streams. Some will think of water’s life-giving qualities. Those who are familiar with the Bible might reflect… Continue reading The Funny Thing About Water Isn’t Funny at All
Islands of Peace “Water from the Air” Could Revolutionize Global Access to Clean Water
NEW YORK – With World Water Day approaching (March 22), Islands of Peace announced this morning that it has formed alliances with EcoloBlue and Infinity Concepts that will help to advance the organization’s Water from the Air Project. History has proven that tension, turmoil, conflict, and even war can arise out of a lack of… Continue reading Islands of Peace “Water from the Air” Could Revolutionize Global Access to Clean Water
Sarvajal Builds Clean Water ATMs in India
AHMEDABAD – The United Nations’ World Water Report for 2015 said, “Problems of poverty are, on most occasions, inextricably linked with those of water – its availability, its proximity, its quantity, and its quality.” Piramal Sarvajal is a mission-driven social enterprise dedicated designing, manufacturing and providing clean, safe sources of drinking water for communities across… Continue reading Sarvajal Builds Clean Water ATMs in India
South Africa Day Zero Water Crisis – An Interview
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa – The world has been watching as the possibility that Cape Town and other cities in South Africa have been preparing for Day Zero when their public supply of potable water will no longer be available. Amid the preparations, residents are taking mandated precautions to avoid the impending disaster. Many are… Continue reading South Africa Day Zero Water Crisis – An Interview
[Update] Cape Town Water Crisis ‘Day Zero’ Moved Back 5 Weeks to July 9th
CAPE TOWN (28 February 2018) – For the second time in a month, the feared Day Zero for the water supply for Cape Town has been moved back. In our previous article on the South African water crisis published on February 16, we reported that Day Zero – the day when Cape Town would no… Continue reading [Update] Cape Town Water Crisis ‘Day Zero’ Moved Back 5 Weeks to July 9th
Cape Town Water Crisis Declared National Disaster as ‘Day Zero’ Approaches
CAPE TOWN (13 February 2018) – The South African government today declared the three-year drought and the subsequent water crisis a national disaster. Rainfall this week raised a glimmer of hope for a nation of people who have been facing an impending ‘Day Zero.’ That is the day the city’s water taps are predicted to… Continue reading Cape Town Water Crisis Declared National Disaster as ‘Day Zero’ Approaches
Why We Need Matt Damon’s Clean Water Super Bowl Commercial
On Super Bowl Sunday, in a commercial by an alcohol beverage company, Matt Damon promised that if people purchased a chalice, $3 of the $13 purchase would go to benefit communities in need with clean water for five years. Stella Artois is doing this in partnership with Water.org. NPR released an article on February 2… Continue reading Why We Need Matt Damon’s Clean Water Super Bowl Commercial
Pontiff Cites Pressing World Problem of Fake News
In an address to Catholic media on December 16th, Pope Francis evaluated the dissemination of fake news as a pressing world problem. Calling it a “grave sin that hurts the heart of the journalist and hurts others,” he set the stage for the inclusion of the issue in his upcoming annual address. We remember the… Continue reading Pontiff Cites Pressing World Problem of Fake News