I thought to post this for those interested in environmental affairs as we've discussed the issues around water frequently in the forum. The 4th world water forum started last week in Mexico. The BBC (bless them for their good reporting) has a an interesting section set aside discussing the issues http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/world/2003/world_forum/water/default.stm
Generally, besides all the other environmental threats today like running out of fossil fuels, global warming issues, cutting down forests, decimating coral reefs and wetland areas, we're also in a world water crisis. Environmental balances are disturbed and cannot play their regulating role anymore. Some water facts published on the formal site http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/
1.1 billion people live without clean drinking water
1.8 million people die every year from diarrhoeal diseases
3 900 children die every day from water borne diseases
2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation
Daily per capita use of water in residential areas:
- 350 litres in North America and Japan
- 200 litres in Europe
- 10-20 litres in sub-Saharan Africa
Quantity of water needed to produce 1 kg of:
- wheat: 1 000 L
- rice: 1 400 L
- beef: 13 000 L
Here are the Dominican Republic water facts and figures published by earthtrends http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/wat_cou_214.pdf
Generally, besides all the other environmental threats today like running out of fossil fuels, global warming issues, cutting down forests, decimating coral reefs and wetland areas, we're also in a world water crisis. Environmental balances are disturbed and cannot play their regulating role anymore. Some water facts published on the formal site http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/
1.1 billion people live without clean drinking water
1.8 million people die every year from diarrhoeal diseases
3 900 children die every day from water borne diseases
2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation
Daily per capita use of water in residential areas:
- 350 litres in North America and Japan
- 200 litres in Europe
- 10-20 litres in sub-Saharan Africa
Quantity of water needed to produce 1 kg of:
- wheat: 1 000 L
- rice: 1 400 L
- beef: 13 000 L
Here are the Dominican Republic water facts and figures published by earthtrends http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/wat_cou_214.pdf