Water scarcity: are we talking about it enough in schools?

In this post, we examine the current state of play regarding education on water management, and explore what more can be done to equip younger generations with the skills and knowledge needed to manage water scarcity for a more secure future. 

The importance of water scarcity education 

Estimates suggest that 450 million children worldwide are currently living in areas with high or extremely high water vulnerability – and this figure is only expected to rise with growing demand and the ongoing impacts of climate change. 

Education plays a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering responsible behaviour towards water usage. Teaching students about water scarcity can inspire them to become advocates for sustainable water practices and help mitigate future crises. In addition, young people could act as catalysts for influencing family, friends and their communities, to amplify the impact of effective water management. 

Current educational practices

Many schools include environmental science in their curriculum, but often water scarcity is not given the emphasis it deserves. Lessons may touch on the water cycle, pollution, and conservation, yet fail to dive deeply into the complexities of water scarcity. This gap in education leaves students unaware of the critical nature of the issue and the multifaceted solutions required to address it.

Being such an important topic, it’s important that teachers and educational leaders strive to plug this gap in the curriculum; this starts with providing staff with the necessary training and resources to deliver effective lessons. Beyond that, here are four things schools might consider:

1. Integrating water topics across subjects. Water scarcity can be discussed in various subjects, from science and geography to social studies. For instance, in geography, students can study regions facing severe water shortages and the socio-economic impacts on those communities.

2. Hands-on learning. Field trips to local water treatment plants, rivers, and reservoirs can provide students with a tangible understanding of where their water comes from and the challenges in managing it.

3. Project-based learning. Encouraging students to participate in projects focused on water conservation can help them grasp the importance of preserving this resource, while also doing some good in the wider community. Projects could include designing water-saving devices or developing campaigns to reduce water wastage in their area.

4. Collaboration with water conservation organisations: Schools can partner with local and international water conservation groups to provide students with expert insights and real-world applications of what they're learning.

Inspiring action through education

It’s clear that educating our youth about water scarcity is not just beneficial but essential. Schools (and parents) have a pivotal role in shaping the mindset and actions of future generations. By integrating water scarcity education into the curriculum, we can equip students with the knowledge they need to facilitate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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For more information on tackling water scarcity, see Joel's guide on water use at home.

Blog contributed by Digital Communications Specialist Joel Taylor of Joel Taylor Consulting

Photo by Luis Tosta on Unsplash