To the Point
The Global Politics of Water
The world is embroiled in dozens of bloody conflicts over oil, ethnicity and religion. What will happen when there's a global shortage of water? The most vital substance for human survival is already in short supply. Are there water wars in our future?
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenSix 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."