Auditorium Urbanum
Wednesday, 23 May, 08:30-10:00 a.m.
Prof. Dr Hans-Georg Frede in cooperation with Stadtwerke Gießen AG
Water is the most important and most valuable foodstuff we have. We can survive for some time without solid food, but not without water. We simply expect water to be available in sufficient quantities and in very high quality at all times. Of course, the first thing we think of is our drinking water. However, we often do not realise that we also use this drinking water for other purposes and that plants and animals also have certain water quality requirements.
There are very few countries in the world where the water quality is as good as it is here. This also applies to Giessen's drinking water. Even in periods of prolonged drought, this water is supplied in consistent quality. However, a look at other countries and continents shows that this is not a matter of course, but must be characterised as an exception. In many countries around the world, the lack of water in sufficient quantity and quality determines their prosperity and health situation. So-called water-borne diseases are the cause of worldwide disasters. For example, more than 6,000 children worldwide die every day from diseases transmitted by unclean water. 1.1 billion people - that is one sixth of the world's population - have no access to clean water.
On 23 May, as part of the Science Festival, a lecture will be held in the Auditorium Urbanum on Kirchplatz, in which the problems of unequal water availability and water quality around the world will be presented and possible solutions outlined. However, the lecture also aims to make the audience aware of the unimaginable luxury we live in with our outstanding water quality. Stadtwerke Gießen AG (SWG), the local water supplier, is making its latest water analyses available for this event. The Stadtwerke will also provide proof of good water quality by offering drinks (water and coffee as water in a refined form) as part of the lecture.
The lecture is intended for Bachelor students on the Agricultural Sciences and Environmental Management programme. However, as with all lectures in the Auditorium Urbanum, the Giessen public is also invited to attend this event. Stadtwerke Gießen and the university look forward to your visit.