Earth Day and the Blue Marble

As we get set for #EarthDay 2023, it is critically important that we reflect on the issue of water scarcity. If you weren't already aware, 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, with the remaining 29% being land. However, it's important to note that the vast majority of this water (about 97.5%) is saltwater, and therefore not suitable for human consumption or many other uses. Only about 2.5% of the Earth's water is freshwater, and of that, a significant portion is locked up in ice caps and glaciers or located deep underground.

The "Blue Marble" I reference in this article headline is a photograph of the Earth taken by the crew of the Apollo 17 spacecraft in 1972. The photo was taken from a distance of about 28,000 miles as the spacecraft was on its way to the moon. The photograph shows the Earth as a beautiful, vibrant blue sphere.

The photo quickly became an iconic image of the Earth and was later used by astronomer Carl Sagan in his book "Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space." Sagan used the photo to illustrate the fragility and uniqueness of the Earth, writing:

"That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives."

So, we are surrounded by water, and it is the veritable lifeblood of every species on the planet. However, Water stress is a global problem, and it is one that is getting worse. According to the United Nations, over two billion people are now living in countries experiencing high water stress, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. A multitude of factors is driving the problem of water stress, including climate change, population growth and unsustainable water use practices.

Education and understanding.

When it comes to unsustainable water use practices it is vital that we all begin to understand not just the terminology but our own impact on the water we often take for granted. As an example, at present we are hearing lots at news about pollution and the state of our rivers in the UK. This issue is real and is pressing, however it is not a binary one of ‘all water companies are bad’. There is an ecosystem involved in the water cycle that we all have a part in. It is important to recognise that in both the addressing of pollution locally in the UK and the lack of access to clean water globally the issue is often a lack of political will or financial resources to do something about it.

This is where the importance of striking a balance comes into play. As a global society we need to recognise that water scarcity is not simply a matter of physical scarcity, but rather a complex issue that requires us to address not only the availability of water but also the political and financial factors that impact access.

A real and pressing issue.

According to the World Bank, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) region has only 1.4% of the world's renewable freshwater resources but is home to more than 5% of the world's population. This region is also experiencing the fastest population growth rate in the world, which is putting additional strain on already limited water resources.

Another example is Sub-Saharan Africa, where water scarcity is a major issue. In this region, much of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, and water scarcity can have a significant impact on economic development and food security. Climate change is exacerbating the water scarcity challenge in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to more frequent and severe droughts.

In some parts of Asia, water scarcity is also becoming a growing concern. In India, for example, groundwater depletion is a significant issue, particularly in areas where agriculture is a major source of livelihood. Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation are also placing increasing demands on water resources, leading to competition and conflicts over water use.

How can Technology help?

Fortunately, modern technology and the cloud are providing new tools and solutions to help address water scarcity. Microsoft has made an open call for solutions to promote water positivity and climate resilience to aid the global challenge of water scarcity. The call invites individuals, businesses, and organisations from around the world to submit innovative solutions that use technology to promote sustainable water use and improve water management.

We have also announced the introduction of critical new water data capabilities in our Cloud for Sustainability platform. These capabilities will allow organisations to track and monitor their water usage in real-time, helping them to identify areas of waste and optimise their water use. The platform will also enable businesses to create water risk maps, helping them to understand the potential impact of water scarcity on their operations and supply chains.

By focusing on AI, cloud-based tools, and advanced data analytics, we are recognising the potential of technology to help address water scarcity. These technologies have the potential to improve water management, reduce waste, and promote water efficiency, contributing to more sustainable use of water resources.

Our strategy for #water is aligned with Microsoft's broader commitment to overall sustainability. As a company we have set ambitious goals to become water positive by 2030, meaning that we will replenish more water than we consume, and our plan is to achieve net zero water consumption in our operations by 2030. Microsoft is not only contributing to its own sustainability goals but also encouraging others to join in the effort to build a more sustainable future.

So, as we get ready to mark #EarthDay 2023, let us remember that water scarcity is a complex issue that requires us to strike a balance between ensuring adequate supplies of water and addressing the political and financial factors that impact access. We can foster collaboration and innovation and by encouraging individuals and organisations from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to submit their solutions, Microsoft is helping to create a community of innovators who can work together to develop and implement new solutions to address water scarcity.

Modern technology and the cloud are providing us with new tools and solutions to help address this most critical issue. By working together and embracing these technologies, we can ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe drinking water, now and in the future.?