Issue #0

The Water Manifesto

arguments for a world water contract

Plot

In 20 years time, some three of the eight billion people on earth will, if present trends continue, lack access to sufficient drinkable water. Already, half that number do not and another two billion lack clean water generally. The rest of humanity faces a degradation in fresh water quality due to agricultural and industrial pollution. And there is no body of international law regulating the right and access to fresh water supplies. The author looks at why. He exposes how corporate interests prevent an adequate response, and sets out a cogent critique of a market-oriented system that sees water as a commodity rather than a precious community resource and fundamental human right. In an urgent call to action, his book calls for a world waters contract which would enshrined fresh water as an essential good to which all people have a right. It should be controlled by communities in the public interest, and with international rules for its equitable management and distribution. He calls for round the world mobilisation for these demands, and for an immediate programme of fresh water provision for the rural and urban poor.