Every March 22, we raise the profile of water in the global agenda, challenging us to spur action on ensuring the safety and sufficiency of freshwater and sanitation for all.

This year's World Water Day is about tackling the water crisis and the reasons why so many people are being left behind. Safe water and sanitation are both necessary for societies to achieve resiliency and sustainability.

To echo the statement of the United Nations Water, water is the primary medium through which we will feel the effects of climate change. Water availability is becoming less predictable in many places, and increased incidences of flooding threaten water sources and sanitation facilities. Population growth, rapid urbanization, and climate change have aggravated the already strained water resources.

On this day, we rise to the challenge of Leaving No One Behind, the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The theme highlights the importance of advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and advancing initiatives aligned with the goal of the Paris Agreement of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C.

As stated in the IPCC Special Report, limiting global warming to 1.5°C is projected to lower the impacts on terrestrial, freshwater and coastal ecosystems, and will retain more of their services to humanity. Pursuing this Paris goal also reduces the proportion of the world population exposed to climate change-induced·water scarcity by up to 50%.

With this, the Climate Change Commission calls on government agencies, stakeholders, development partners and individuals to go beyond raising awareness and to make a remarkable difference in our communities and our planet through collective climate actions.

SECRETARY EMMANUEL M. DE GUZMAN
Vice Chairperson and Executive Director
Climate Change Commission