We all know about peak oil, but peak water? Water expert Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute poses the possibility that, despite the vast amounts of water on "Planet Ocean," we may be running out of sustainably managed water.
What is sustainably managed water? This term relates to the way we use, manage and abuse the fresh water that is regularly replenished by precipitation. In several places in the world, such as the southwestern United States and China, so much fresh water is withdrawn that rivers have actually dried up before they reach the sea.
"Humans already appropriate over 50 per cent of all renewable and accessible freshwater flows," said Gleick, "and yet billions still lack the most basic water services." It could be difficult in many places to find additional fresh water to bring the level of water services to a higher standard for those without sufficient water.
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