Expository Writing

Germany, Access to Clean Drinking Water

According to the BBC, “Water security is when the entire population of a country has sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptably clean water.” Water insecurity is a real problem all across the world. Even in developed countries, some parts still struggle with water insecurity. Water insecurity affects many people all across the globe. Water insecurity can affect people's hunger, poverty, and educational statuses. People can be affected by water insecurity by suffering from water-borne diseases like cholera. They can also be hungry because lack of clean water makes it hard for them to nourish their sources of food, like crops and livestock. Additionally, when much time is spent getting water, there is less time for people to focus on jobs and education, both of which can make it harder for them to become less impoverished. Ensuring that everyone has access to clean drinking water is very important because water affects all of our lives and when people don’t have access to clean water it is a lot harder for them to survive.

Clean access to drinking water is part of Sustainable Development Goal 6. One of the goals stated is “By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.” (UN Sustainable Development Goals) Non-Governmental Organizations currently working on this topic include Doctors Without Borders, CARE, and Clean Water International, Global Water Partnership, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and WIN (Water Integrity Network).

The Federal Republic of Germany has not been affected by water insecurity nearly as much as it has affected a lot of other countries. Germany is a developed, fairly rich and financially stable country, and the majority of its population has access to clean, safe, drinking water. Therefore, because they have fewer problems to solve in regards to ensuring this topic in their own country, Germany has contributed a lot to foreign aid in helping other countries reduce their water insecurity. Germany believes that the developed countries in the UN should work together to help provide aid, support, and funds to developing countries, to help them conquer water insecurity.

The Federal Republic of Germany would propose that developed countries in which water insecurity is not a large problem should work together to fund and support developing countries dealing with and trying to overcome water insecurity. Those countries in the UN that majorly already have access to clean, safe drinking water should contribute financial aid and assistance, as well as help to organize specific initiatives to improve water accessibility and security, in developing countries struggling with water insecurity. In order to meet the clean drinking water part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030, all countries need to work together. This means that the countries with more money contribute more to help the countries with less money, to create a sustainable and just environment where everyone has access to clean and safe drinking water.

Works Cited:

UN Sustainable Development Goals. “Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all.” UN Sustainable Development Goals, 2022, https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/. Accessed 28 Nov. 2022.

BBC. “Water supply and consumption.” BBC, 2022, https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zgx382p/revision/2. Accessed 28 Nov. 2022.