Leaders will gather this week in New York City for a landmark United Nations conference on fresh water, an event expected to focus on the rising toll of the climate crisis and the effort to provide clean drinking water to a global population of over 8 billion.

The UN Water Conference, the first event of its kind in 46 years, will cover a range of water-related issues, including a surge in flooding, droughts, drying rivers and other extreme changes to water resources linked to climate change.

Many of the discussions will also explore how countries can expand access to clean drinking water, particularly in the poorest communities, and improve sanitation services, which remain elusive for many.

Read more from this story on UNEP’s website