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2.2 billion

Total population worldwide that lack access to safe drinking water

70%

Proportion of global freshwater withdrawals due to agriculture

1.8 billion

Number of people living under drought in 2022 and 2023

The Global Water Institute tackles critical water challenges by connecting Ohio State’s expertise in research, teaching, and outreach with exceptional partners all around the world.

Water issues are about people, and ecosystems, and financial realities. They’re about climate and energy and old habits dying hard. Since really thorny water issues don’t have a single cause, the only way to make progress is to integrate all of those other pieces—people, energy, climate, economics—into the solution.

Magazine cover with many logos including UN Water and unesco at the top. Title is The United Nations World Water Development Report 2024 water for prosperity and peace with infographic of a dry arid land with a cityscape at a distance and greenery and buildings along the banks of a river in the foreground as two people are rolling the carpet toward the dry land/city.

The United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR) is UN-Water’s flagship report on water and sanitation issues that is launched on World Water Day each year and gives policy recommendations to decision-makers by offering best practices and in-depth analyses. The 2024 report highlights the wider significance of water for our lives and livelihoods. It explores water’s capacity to unite people and serve as a tool for peace, sustainable development, climate action and regional integration. Consistent with the Sustainable Development Goal for water and sanitation (SDG 6), it is essential for global prosperity and peace.

The Water and Climate Collective provides a space for a wide range of students interested in examining water and climate issues to interact with like-minded peers from across the university and engage in educational outreach, volunteer opportunities, and networking events.

•   Volunteer opportunities in different environmental industries.
•   Fun and informative hands-on activities to learn about water and climate-related issues.
•   Participate in education outreach.
•   Networking opportunities with academia, industry,