I know, I know, the economy and partisan politics have taken over our conversations, leaving little room for anything else, let alone problems that are still removed from the reality of our lives. Huge global issues such as the water crisis. A chance business meeting with a friend, about to launch a new water efficiency venture, got me thinking about water. Just as with deforestation, and biodiversity loss, I am shocked by the magnitude of the problem, and the corresponding relative inaction to curb it.
The water crisis raises some critical questions about water economics, water ethics, water technology, water efficiency, water conservation, water waste, water inequities, water rights, water laws, water politics, water awareness . . . all of which need to be addressed at the various appropriate levels.
As with other global environmental issues, it is easy to feel lost as an individual citizen. Yet, there is lots one can do to favorably impact the situation:
- boycott bottled water
- conserve water at home, and other places
- blog about it, and also comment on other blogs
- support watchdog organizations such as Food and Water Watch
- support legislation to encourage water conservation and efficiency
- share problem and possible solutions with friends
You may also want to go see “Flow”, Irena Salina’s recently released documentary on water,
La Marguerite 