Archive - Sep 10, 2008
Fighting the Deluge of Water Challenges
This summer, multiple regions of the globe have been hit by water-related disasters, ranging from bone-dry droughts to devastating floods. An international group of water experts is warning of severe social and economic consequences unless significant investments in infrastructure such as irrigation systems and dams.
Speakers at the World Water Congress in Vienna told attendees that infrastructure has to more than double from $80 billion to $180 billion to keep pace with the effects of population growth and climate changes.
According to the World Bank, the major water challenges we face include lack of access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation, water scarcity and extreme weather events resulting from climate change. It is estimated that four billion people will be affected by these challenges in the near future, especially in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.
Without sustained investment in water infrastructure like irrigation systems and dams, the results could be dire, especially for developing countries. This summer’s news headlines are further evidence. Haiti and other Caribbean countries are reeling from four back-to-back hurricanes, the flooding in Bihar, India is the worst in 50 years, and countries from Australia to Ethiopia are experiencing record droughts.
With the effects of water challenges accelerating so rapidly, it remains to be seen whether world leaders will have the foresight to effectively address these problems preventatively, or be stuck playing catch up — with deadly results.
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McCain, Obama and Trade Barriers
Mary O'Grady and OpinionJournal.com discuss the historical impact of trade barriers on Latin America and if the expansion of free trade will continue in Latin America under Barack Obama or John McCain.
Watch the video from The Wall Street Journal.
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