Live Earth is launching what may be the largest global water initiative in history. These guys never were one to think small.
The Dow Live Earth Run for Water, taking place globally on April 18, will feature several 6 km runs and walks meant to symbolize the average distance women and children walk to get water in many countries. Jessica Biel, Alexandra Cousteau and Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz are among the people lending their support.
“Water scarcity is an issue that affects all of us and we all have a responsibility to do our part to help solve this global crisis,” remarks Biel. “The beauty of the Dow Live Earth Run for Water is that it gives us a platform to encourage others to be part of the solution to help everyone have access to clean, safe drinking water.”
Adds Cousteau, “[The event] will bring people together around the world, raising awareness about the sources and consequences of the water crisis, locally and globally. It captures perfectly the interconnectedness of life on our water planet and drives home the message that the water crisis is a global issue that isn’t going to be fixed by scientists or policymakers alone.”
Approximately 1.5 million people die each year — mostly children — from drinking unsafe water, which is the only available water for one in eight people worldwide. And believe it or not, the 6 km average walk is just to secure water that is probably unsafe.
People who want to support the cause are encouraged to run in one of the events, start your own event through Friends of Live Earth, sign the Live Earth petition to make clean water a basic human right with the U.N. and donate when you can. And of course, you should always try to conserve water at home. Funds raised from the walk will benefit organizations like the Global Water Challenge, A Child’s Right, Indonesia Water Partnership, Pump Aid and others. For a full list of participating cities, click here.