A med student’s guide to: Fresh water scarcity and pollution

AMSA Code Green
Sep 2, 2018 · 1 min read

What is the problem?

Our planet’s surface is 70 % covered by water. A portion of that is drinkable fresh water. However, with the development of modern industry, more and more pollution has entered rivers and lakes. These chemicals range from run-off fertilisers and pesticides to petrol, industrial wastes, heavy metals and medications. At the same time, consumption of fresh water by agriculture and industry as well climate change driven changes in weather patterns, have been drastically reducing the amounts of drinking water.

Why do we worry?

Severe water pollution reduces access to fresh water or forces individuals to drink contaminated water. This will only increase as water becomes more scarce. It is estimated that water demand will exceed water supply by 2030, which will ultimately lead to conflict and war in regions of little supply. As pollutions in the water increase, they are accumulated through the food chain to us as last consumers. Residues of those chemicals are already found in all our bodies.

What can you do?

Reduce your fresh water consumption: shower less and shorter, use a front loader and run it full, use tank water for gardens, reduce water intense foods (meat, dairy, eggs), install water saving faucets

Reduce your use of chemicals: make your own cleaning products form pantry items, dispose of waste and medication properly, avoid using plastic and clothing made from plastic fibre, don’t use industrial fertilises, herbicides and pesticides.

Here is some more info!

Ted talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSL_xx2Qnyc

NASA: https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2734/nasa-satellites-reveal-major-shifts-in-global-freshwater/

AMSA Code Green

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AMSA Code Green is a platform for Australian medical students to respond to our planet’s health emergency.