Saving the World from Sewage-JC

Untreated sewage is a major problem threatening health in every part of the world. However, we already know exactly how to prevent it. The problem is not the absence of a way to treat the waste, it is the lack of funds in many countries to carry out the planning, constructing, and up-keeping of the treatment plants and proper lavatories. The only way to completely resolve this devastating issue is by convincing those countries which do possess the resources necessary for these projects that this problem does not only threaten those impoverished countries, but the entire world. The potentially deadly bacteria and viruses entering the waterways will not disappear. They will travel as far as the water takes them, which could be anywhere on the globe. This is a pressing international matter and must be treated as such.

            Although the campaign would have to begin with the advocacy of individual environmental organizations, it should eventually become a mission for the United Nations. To carry this out, environmental organizations would raise awareness using a commercial campaign showing shocking pictures of polluted rivers and poverty stricken areas and appalling statistics. This would result in public outcry and initial donation funds. Representatives from the environmental organizations would then lobby at the UN to make it a United Nations mission. Every able nation in the UN could put money towards the cause. With the use of these funds, engineers and construction workers would be transported to the underprivileged areas to design and construct new sanitation systems. They would also train workers in the area to be able to work at the plants in order to ensure their lasting success. An extra benefit to the project, this would open up some new job opportunities.

            This project would be an immensely demanding commitment, but the benefits would be innumerable. Life in places such as India, Africa, and Latin America would be momentously improved. Waterborne illnesses would be nearly eradicated. The people could bath and drink from there rivers without fearing for their lives. The improved health of the population would offer them opportunities to build up and advance their communities. Marine ecosystems would be saved from devastation. Also, the approaching threat of foreign untreated sewage arriving at our own shores would be stopped in its tracks. This completely preventable problem has the potential to wreak havoc on the ecosystems and human health of the world. Action to avert this must be taken immediately, at all costs.