While much attention has been paid to our planets limited oil reserves, experts are warning that water may soon eclipse black gold as earth’s most precious commodity.  There is a growing concern that fresh water supplies are falling short, which could lead to disastrous consequences.  A thorough report from the UK Guardian explains:

Global population, economic development and a growing appetite for meat, dairy and fish protein have raised human water demand sixfold in 50 years. Meanwhile, supplies have been diminished in several ways: an estimated 845,000 dams block most of the world’s rivers, depriving downstream communities of water and sediment, and increasing evaporation; up to half of water is lost in leakage; another 1bn people simply have no proper infrastructure; and the water left is often polluted by chemicals and heavy metals from farms and industry, blamed by the UN for poisoning more than 100m people. And still the rains are getting less reliable in many areas.

The problem is clearly growing, and we need to start finding solutions fast.  The answers won’t come easy, but there clearly needs to be an emphasis on conservation, as opposed to just seeking out new sources.  As we are learning elsewhere, “Drill, baby, drill”, is not the answer.
takepart by joining Food and Water Watch protect this vital resource.

Related:  Inconvenient Truth of the Day

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