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Freshwater Crisis

By admin ⋅ July 16, 2007 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ 95 views

Climate chance and pollution can cause some of the largest rivers on the globe to dry up. The report of the the environmental group WWF analyzes ten rivers, including the Yangtze, the Ganges and the Salween in Asia; the Danube in Europe and Rio Grande in North America and warns that we could face “a freshwater emergency”.

The study focuses on the concerns raised by the dams and dykes, like the ones along the Danube. Water being over-extracted for agriculture can lessen the reserves of water and threaten freshwater fish populations. The report also offers some solutions to fight over-fishing, dams, over-extraction, pollution, and invasive species.

“We need business leaders and government to recognise that climate change is not the only urgent environmental issue that needs to be dealt with, and that they need to take notice of this freshwater emergency and act now, not later,”said Dr David Tickner, head of WWF UK’s Freshwater programme.

The report is mainly aimed at governments, asking for a better protection of rivers and a sustainable water use. Countries should establish agreements on how to properly use the water resources available. Conservation of rivers and wetlands and security of water flows must be seen as part and parcel of national security, health and economic success,” he said.

“Emphasis must be given to exploring ways of using water for crops and products that do not use more water than necessary.”

More info @

For a Living Planet - WWF

The Fresh Water Society - http://www.freshwater.org/

United Nations Environment Programme - UNEP