Water pollution and who suffers from it in Brazil
Pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans is a serious environmental problem all over the world,
including in Brazil. Pollution has a serious impact on biodiversity, human health, and aquatic ecosystems, and this problem has been on the sustainability and climate change agenda for years. But who is directly affected by this problem?
According to Agência Senado (2023), at least half of the population suffers from basic sanitation problems. According to official figures, 40 million families don't even have a toilet in their homes. What is a basic service for many is a great privilege for others. That's why Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Access to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene is an essential prerequisite for health, education, and gender equality.
Not only river pollution, but also floods, landslides, extreme temperatures, and other effects of climate change often affect people who are particularly socially vulnerable. The discussion about who suffers from water pollution doesn't reach large flats, let alone luxury condominiums. For this group of people, basic rights are considered fundamental and essential. For the people who live in these areas, there is rarely a shortage of water and their tanks are always full and very well maintained.
Indigenous and quilombola communities contribute the most to environmental conservation, but they also suffer the most from river pollution. This group, in particular, has suffered in the past from the intrusion of explorers and miners who have had to contaminate their water, food, fruit, and vegetables. This can lead to waterborne diseases.
Groups of fishermen and shellfish gatherers also suffer greatly from water pollution, as their livelihoods come from the rivers and seas. In addition to the economic consequences, river pollution also has a direct impact on the health and quality of life of local communities. The lack of access to healthy fish as a source of food jeopardizes the nutrition of the population that depends on fishing.
The debate about who suffers from the pollution of rivers and seas leads to a discussion about environmental racism. This specific form of discrimination manifests itself when the poorest and most marginalized populations are systematically and disproportionately affected by climatic factors, and one of these factors is undoubtedly river pollution, especially when it comes to the communities mentioned above.
Therefore, it must be emphasized that the problem of water pollution mainly affects less privileged communities, which generally don't have the same resources and comfortable living conditions. It is necessary to extend environmental awareness and responsibility beyond the confines of wealthier areas and promote measures that benefit society as a whole.
Realizing the link between social vulnerability and access to quality water, I developed Aqualuz and continue to develop other technologies at SDW so that people who don't have access to basic needs can have a better quality of life.
By Anna Luísa Beserra
Anna Luisa Beserra
Founder and CEO of Sustainable Development & Water For All
LinkedIn: @Anna Luisa Beserra
Instagram: @ Anna Luísa Beserra
SDG 6
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