Water Sustainability: A Global Perspective

by Jones,J.A.A.

• ISBN13: 9781444104882
• ISBN10: 1444104888
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2010-12-31
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Using the latest mapping techniques, J.A.A. Jones, Chair of the IGU Commission for Water Sustainability, examines water availability, the impact of climate change and the problems created for water management worldwide as well as possible solutions.Water Sustainability: A Global View is the first textbook to meld the physical and human aspects affecting the world's water resources. In part one, it examines the restless water cycle, the impact of past and future climate change and the problems created for water management. In part two, theauthor investigates the human factors: population growth, urbanisation, the commercialisation of water including globalisation, privatisation and the role of international organisations, as well as the impact of war, terrorism and the credit crunch. In part three, current and future solutions arediscussed including improved efficiency, water treatment systems, crop modification, desalination and rainwater harvesting. Jones concludes by positing the question of how far technical and financial innovations can overcome the limitations of climatic resources and examining the human andenvironmental costs involved in such developments.This book is the ideal text for any student of water sustainability whether approaching the subject from the point of view of international relations, geography or environmental management.

Author Biography

Professor Tony Jones is one of the world's foremost experts on water sustainability, Chair of the International Geographical Union's Commission for Water Sustainability, and works with both the UN and NATO on issues relating to global water supplies. He has also acted as editor for GeoJournal, Physical Geography and Area.

Table of Contents

1. A looming crisis
Part I Status and challenges
2. Rising demand and dwindling per capita resources
3. Water and poverty
4. Pollution and water-related disease
5. Governance and finance
6. Water, land and wildlife
7. Dams and diversions
8. Trading water -- real and virtual
9. Water, war and terrorism
10. The threat of global warming
Part II Nature's resources
11. The restless water cycle
12. Shrinking freshwater stores
Part III Towards sustainability
13. Cutting demand
14. Increasing supplies
15. Cleaning up and protecting the aquatic environment
16. Using seawater
17. Controlling the weather
18. Improved monitoring and data management
19. Improving prediction and risk assessment
20. Improving management and justice
21. Aid for the developing world
Conclusions
22. Is sustainability achievable?