'If we can influence people then change can happen' says sustainability advocate Moksha Roy

Key Concepts

• Global Water Crises: Widespread shortages of fresh water impacting billions of people.
• Microlastics: Tiny plastic particles that pollute water bodies, harm aquatic life, and pose health risks.
• Sustainability Advocate: An individual dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly practices and policies.
• UN Water Week Ambassador: A role representing the United Nations' efforts to address water-related issues.
• Green Team: A school-based initiative for students to share ideas and implement planet-saving actions.
• Flash Floods: Rapid flooding caused by intense rainfall, increasingly prevalent in the UK.

Global Water Shortages and Future Projections

Moa, a young sustainability advocate and UN Water Week ambassador, highlights the severity of global water crises. She reveals that by 2050, nearly 5 billion people could face water shortages. Currently, one in eleven people worldwide are already struggling with water scarcity.

Origin of Moa's Advocacy: Microlastics and Environmental Awareness

Moa's journey into environmental advocacy began at the age of three when her parents explained that glitter is made of microlastics. This led her to understand that microlastics are tiny particles that pollute oceans and rivers, negatively impacting aquatic life. Furthermore, these particles can enter the food chain, air, and drinking water, potentially causing serious diseases in humans and animals. This realization ignited her passion for protecting the planet and conserving water.

Role as UN Water Week Ambassador and Public Engagement

At nine years old, Moa was invited to speak as an ambassador for UN Water Week. She has since addressed large audiences, including at Downing Street, and appeared on television. Moa expresses that she feels happy and believes she is contributing to the movement towards a sustainable planet. She emphasizes the importance of influencing others, stating, "if we can influence people, then change can happen."

Youth-Led Environmental Initiatives: The Green Team

Moa and her friends have established a "Green Team" at their school. This initiative serves as a platform for sharing ideas on how to save the planet. Moa also actively engages younger children, as young as four, and their families within her school and community. She focuses on teaching them about less obvious water-saving practices that have a significant impact.

Beyond Conventional Water Conservation: Practical Examples

Instead of solely focusing on common advice like turning off taps while brushing teeth or taking shorter showers, Moa promotes actions that might not seem directly water-related but contribute to water conservation. Examples include:

• Choosing a bamboo toothbrush over a plastic one.
• Opting for wooden or cotton clothing.
• Using wooden toys.

These choices reduce plastic waste and the demand for resources that indirectly impact water usage and pollution.

Water Problems in the UK: Flash Floods and Extreme Weather

The discussion extends to water issues within the UK. Moa points out the increasing frequency of flash floods, attributing it to more intense rainfall patterns. She notes that while the UK has historically been a rainy country, the past six years have seen a significant increase in precipitation, coupled with very hot, dry summers followed by super rainy winters and autumns.

Case Study: Flood Victim in Shropshire

The documentary features an interview with a flood victim from Shropshire, who lived near the River Severn. The victim recounts a devastating flood that occurred one January morning, causing significant distress. This real-world example illustrates that water-related problems, including severe flooding, are impacting the UK directly, dispelling the notion that such issues are confined to regions like Ethiopia experiencing droughts.

Documentary Premiere and Call to Action

Moa's documentary is scheduled to premiere on Sky News at 2:30 PM that afternoon. The conversation concludes with encouragement for Moa's continued efforts, acknowledging her significant impact and the hope she represents for saving the planet.