Out of Water

Around the world, water shortages are occurring even in areas known for significant rainfall. In drier regions, shortages are already causing crop failures and starvation, and long-term economic development. Urbanization, industrialization, changing diets, biofuel production, and climate change are all aligning to exacerbate the crisis. As water shortages lead to food and health crises, they may trigger greater social unrest and, thus, foster terrorism and potentially water wars. This work explains where we stand and how we got here, and what we can do about it. The authors don't just illuminate the coming global water crisis. They present innovative, workable solutions in agriculture, engineering, governance, and beyond, including state-of-the-art techniques for integrated water management -- From book jacket.