To the Point
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The Global Politics of Water

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Six years ago, scientists predicted that a third of the world would face water shortages by 2025. But it's already happened.  Cholera may return to London. African migration could cause civil unrest in Europe.  China’s economy could crash by 2015. That's the "bleak assessment" of 200 food, oil, chemical and water companies.  Can technology overcome mismanagement and global warming?  Will shortages lead to greater cooperation or major conflicts--even in the US?  Plus, the FDA approves over-the-counter sales of the "morning-after" contraceptive pill, and  the planet Pluto becomes a "dwarf."

Making News

Plan B Approved for Over-the-Counter Sales ()


After three years and three different commissioners, one of the Food and Drug Administration's most contentious issues finally has been resolved. Plan B, the so-called "morning-after" contraceptive pill, will be sold over the counter to women 18 and older. Gardiner Harris is public health reporter for the New York Times.

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Main Topic

The Global Politics of Water ()

Two billion people already live with too little water, and water as a means of social control could be a fact of life in the next decade. Potential conflict over water is just as great in developed countries as it is in the world's poorest nations, and the US is by no means immune. Multinational corporations have joined environmentalists in calling for action before it's too late. There will be big money in recycling, desalination and other technologies. Can they overcome the demands of agriculture, and the industrial way of life? What about global warming?

Guests:
  • John Vidal: Environmental Editor, The Guardian
  • Peter Gleick: Co-Founder and President, Pacific Institute
  • Aaron Wolf: Director of the Program on Water Conflict Management, Oregon State University
  • Jamie Pittock: Director of the Global Freshwater Program, World Wildlife Federation
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Reporter's Notebook

Pluto, Planet or Plan Not? ()


Since Pluto's discovery in 1930, there have been nine planets in the solar system, but a year ago, scientists at the California Institute of Technology said there were ten. An object they called Xena turned out to be bigger than Pluto and was also orbiting around the Sun. That set off an astronomical controversy that wasn't resolved until today, thanks to the International Astronomical Union. Planetary scientist Mike Brown led the Cal Tech Team that discovered Xena.

Guests:
  • Mike Brown: Professor of Planetary Astronomy, California Institute of Technology

Transcripts of To the Point are available from The Transcription Company, (818) 848-6500, or www.transcripts.net. A CD copy is available by calling 1.888.600.5279

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