Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Bjorn Lomborg, a Danish author and statistician known for his controversial views on environmental issues and global development. In this quote, Lomborg is highlighting the disparity between the cost of providing clean drinking water and sanitation to every person on the planet and the financial commitments associated with international environmental agreements.

Lomborg is drawing attention to the fact that the global community spends significant financial resources on environmental treaties and agreements, such as the Kyoto Protocol, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, he suggests that the cost of ensuring clean drinking water and sanitation for every individual on the planet is relatively modest in comparison.

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement required participating countries to set targets for reducing their emissions. However, the cost associated with implementing the Kyoto Protocol, as well as subsequent climate agreements, has been a subject of debate and criticism.

Lomborg's comparison raises important questions about global priorities and resource allocation. By juxtaposing the cost of the Kyoto treaty with the cost of providing clean water and sanitation, he challenges the conventional wisdom regarding where global resources should be directed.

Clean drinking water and sanitation are fundamental human needs, essential for health, development, and overall well-being. Despite being recognized as a basic human right, millions of people around the world still lack access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. The consequences of this lack of access are dire, leading to illness, disease, and hindrances to economic and social development.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, billions of people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water and basic sanitation services. Addressing this issue requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and policy initiatives. By highlighting the relatively low cost of providing clean water and sanitation for all, Lomborg is advocating for a reevaluation of global priorities and resource allocation.

Critics of Lomborg's views argue that the comparison oversimplifies the complexities of global environmental and development challenges. They contend that addressing climate change and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation are not mutually exclusive, and both issues require attention and resources.

Furthermore, some critics question the accuracy of Lomborg's cost comparison and argue that the true cost of achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation may be higher than he suggests. They also emphasize the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic challenges, cautioning against framing these issues as competing for the same pool of resources.

In conclusion, Bjorn Lomborg's quote underscores the need to critically examine global priorities and resource allocation. By drawing attention to the cost disparity between international environmental agreements and the provision of clean drinking water and sanitation, Lomborg challenges policymakers, organizations, and individuals to consider the fundamental needs of the global population. While his perspective has sparked debate and controversy, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and choices inherent in addressing complex global issues.