Last 27th-28th January, Carlos Negro from UCM participated in the Official Launch Ceremony of the International Year of Chemistry took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This international year is an opportunity for all of us to connect with the power of chemistry to understand better our world and to shape our future. He has summarised the content of the Ceremony in relation to water for us.
The speakers feature Nobel laureates, government officials, along with representatives form the private sector and academia exanimate different aspects of the role of responsible chemistry in fostering sustainable development, in responding to global challenges today and in tackling those of the future.
Special attention was taken to the main challenge of the 21st century: to feed the world’s growing population while safeguarding our natural resources in the process. Success in agriculture and food production hinges on many factors, but framers worldwide have perhaps one common fear: lack of water. To growth enough food for one person requires about 2,000 litres of water per day. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agriculture uses about 70 percent of the world’s fresh water and shortage will have a huge impact on food security.
A recent study by 2030 Water Resources Group found that existing agricultural technology can sustainably increase water use efficiency. Up to 40% of the water used by some framers is lost due to inefficient practices such as field flooding. The chemical industry is an enabling industry and an important supplier and innovation driver to provide a growing population with water; to ensure good health and environmental conditions; to enhance people’s quality of life.
During the launch was also analysed the challenges of water resources that is facing the Middle East, from a shortage of rainfall to the poor management of available supplies. The current situation was discussed and the role of conventional and non-conventional water resources in satisfying the ever-increasing demand in this thistly part of the world was presented by Prof. Al-Rashed director of the Water Resources Division at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific and Research.
Besides the increasing the public understanding and appreciation of chemistry and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of the chemistry, other main aim of this commemoration are the young students, in this area activities are also focus on water. The Global Chemistry Experiment- Water: A Chemical Solution is an excellent exercise in doing just this. IUPAC and UNESCO have developed a set of activities to entice students around the world to learn about how chemistry contributes to one of the most important resources in their daily lives, water. This global experiment, “Water: A Chemical Solution” explores the chemistry of water and the role of water in society and the environment. Water, H2O, is the most abundant substance on the Earth’s surface. Water is essential for life. It covers about 70% of the planet’s surface, and it makes up about 70% of the human body. 97% of the water on Earth is sea water of high salt content. Water fit for human consumption, or potable water is essential for health and well-being and practical methods are needed for proper treatment. The Global Chemistry Experiment demonstrates the concepts of water quality and water treatment clearly and simply for students around the world.
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