{"id":2155,"date":"2023-08-17T08:30:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T12:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fondationdegaspebeaubien.org\/?p=2155"},"modified":"2023-10-26T14:06:50","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T18:06:50","slug":"our-motivation-and-expertise-in-water-conservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fondationdegaspebeaubien.org\/en\/our-motivation-and-expertise-in-water-conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Motivation and Expertise in Water Conservation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Twelve years ago, when the de Gasp\u00e9 Beaubien grandchildren first suggested that the Foundation take action on water conservation, Philippe and Nan-b were skeptical. After all, Canada is known for its plentiful water supply, so why should they bother? Nan-b explains: \u201cAt first, the notion seemed a bit outrageous. Yet after further investigation and research, we understood the urgent need to take action. <\/span>We realized that our grandchildren were right: we better do something about the water situation!<\/b>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A crisis years in the making<\/span><\/h2>\n

Thirty years ago, scientists and experts warned us about the looming danger of a water crisis and the effects of the climate crisis. Now, Canada and other countries are confronted with these pressing issues, seeing their <\/span>impact on the environment<\/span><\/a> with devastating storms, huge wildfires, and catastrophic flooding. Had we heeded their alerts earlier, perhaps we would have been better prepared to face today’s challenge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the United Nations<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> in the next 6 years, an estimated 40% of the global population will lack access to safe drinking water. <\/b>This lack of resources means far more than just having something for your morning coffee – without access to fresh water, there will be massive migration due to populations’ inability to drink or feed themselves. It\u2019s a catastrophic situation that none of us are prepared for or want to see occur, and one we must take proactive steps to address now!<\/span><\/p>\n

Canada is no exception<\/span><\/h2>\n

Canada is home to 20% of the world’s fresh water reserve. However, this precious resource is not infinitely renewable; <\/span>only 1% is renewed each year<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Actions must be taken to preserve our planet’s most essential resource, conserving and revitalizing our freshwater supply. Yet, when it comes to water utilisation, Canada doesn’t have much to be proud of – <\/span>Canadians water consumption is one of the highest in the world. <\/b>(<\/span>Habits have to change on every level<\/span><\/a>; individual, regional, national, and societal.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Given its unique situation, <\/span>Canada has the opportunity to become a leader in water conservation<\/b> \u2013 we can use our privileged position to ensure other nations have equitable access to clean water, as well as provide a more sustainable model for water conservation practices and a <\/span>blue economy<\/span><\/a>. From research to technology-driven practices, someone must become a leader in protecting this invaluable resource. Why not us?<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Canadian<\/p>\n

The role of governments<\/span><\/h2>\n

In a world facing such water-related issues, governments must look beyond the next election cycle to adequately address this prolonged crisis. Current short-term solutions are not enough. <\/span>Governments are often reluctant to take risks due to their limited terms in office \u2014 leaving water as a crucial issue unaddressed.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Our elected representatives have to act! Legislations must be created and investments must be made relating to any and all expertises in water conservation – such as:<\/span><\/p>\n