A January 20 United Nations report suggests that the planet has entered an era of “water bankruptcy.” The report states that a growing number of the world’s water systems may be beyond recovery due to pollution, drought, and shortages. News coverage of the report circulated on social media, with many posts blaming the rise in AI for worsening the global water crisis. Others discussed how large corporations have exploited water systems and potential ways the damage can be slowed or reversed. A small number of posts expressed skepticism about the report, calling it alarmist and “fake news.”
Recommendation
Conversations about the health effects of climate change create opportunities for health communicators to share accurate information from trusted sources such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Messaging may emphasize that climate change reduces water availability and safety, leaving two billion people worldwide without reliable access to clean water.
Fact-checking sources: United Nations, NASA
Communication resources: Read talking points about environmental health
