Water shortage 'a global problem'
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Water shortage 'a global problem'
*By Imogen Foulkes
BBC News, Geneva
The report says water loss is a problem facing the whole world
A report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warns that rich
countries face increasing water shortages.
A combination of climate change and poor resource management is leading
to water shortages in even the most developed countries, it says.
It urges water conservation on a global scale and asks rich states to
set an example by repairing ageing water infrastructure and tackling
pollution.
The report was released in Geneva just ahead of World Water Week.
The WWF says economic wealth does not automatically mean plenty of water.
Its report reveals that some of the world's wealthiest cities - such as
Houston or Sydney - are using more water than can be replenished.
In London leaks from ageing water mains are wasting 300 Olympic swimming
pools' worth of water every single day, the WWF says.
Meanwhile southern Europe is becoming drier as a result of climate
change and further north Alpine glaciers - a significant source of water
- are shrinking
Knock-on effect
What is more, the report argues, wealthy countries continue to use up
the water of the developing world.
The production of clothing, fruit, vegetables and even jewellery all
need water. And the demand for cheap produce often encourages wasteful
use of scarce water resources.
The WWF is also calling on wealthy countries to encourage more
international co-operation over water because this is the one element
no-one can do without.
And while money may be no protection against climate change, it can at
least be invested in preserving the existing fresh water supplies.