The Atlas of Water : Mapping the World's Most Critical Resource

Climate change, population increase, and the demands made by the growing number of people adopting urban lifestyles and western diets threaten the world’s supply of freshwater, edging us closer to a global water crisis, with dire implications for agriculture, the economy, the environment, and human health. Completely revised and updated, __The Atlas of Water__ is a compelling visual guide to the state of this life-sustaining resource. Using vivid graphics, maps, and charts, it explores the complex human interaction with water around the world. This vibrant atlas addresses all the pressing issues concerning water, from water shortages and excessive demand, to dams, pollution, and privatization, all considered in terms of the growing threat of an increasingly unpredictable climate. It also outlines critical tools for managing water, providing safe access to water, and preserving the future of the world’s water supply. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS GLOSSARY USEFUL CONVERSIONS PART 1. A FINITE RESOURCE 1. GLOBAL WATER 2. WATER’S UNEQUAL DISTRIBUTION 3. WATER SHORTAGE 4. RISING DEMAND 5. DWINDLING SUPPLY 6. COMPETITION AND CONFLICT 7. ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY PART 2. WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE 8. ICE AND SNOW MELT 9. STORMS AND FLOODS 10. DROUGHTS 11. RIVER BASIN STRESSES PART 3. WATER FOR LIVING 12. WATER FOR DRINKING 13. WATER FOR FOOD 14. WATER FOR SANITATION 15. WATER IN THE CITY 16. WATER AT HOME 17. WATER AND DISEASE PART 4. WATER FOR ECONOMIC PRODUCTION 18. WATER FOOTPRINT 19. WATER FOR IRRIGATION 20. WATER FOR FISHERIES 21. WATER FOR INDUSTRY 22. WATER FOR ENERGY 23. TRANSPORT AND LEISURE 24. WATER FOR SALE PART 5. DAMAGED WATER 25. DAMMED RIVERS 26. DISPOSSESSION BY WATER 27. WATER POLLUTANTS 28. WATER POLLUTION 29. DAMAGED WATERWAYS 30. THREATENED ECOLOGIES PART 6. WATER FOR THE FUTURE 31. TECHNOLOGICAL FIXES 32. THE RISING PRICE OF WATER 33. TREATIES AND OBLIGATIONS 34. STRIVING FOR CO-OPERATION 35. MANAGING THE FUTURE PART 7. DATA TABLES AND SOURCES Needs and Resources Water Uses SOURCES INDEX Climate change, population increase, and the demands made by the growing number of people adopting urban lifestyles and western diets threaten the world’s supply of freshwater, edging us closer to a global water crisis, with dire implications for agriculture, the economy, the environment, and human health. Completely revised and updated, The Atlas of Water is a compelling visual guide to the state of this life-sustaining resource. Using vivid graphics, maps, and charts, it explores the complex human interaction with water around the world. This vibrant atlas addresses all the pressing issues concerning water, from water shortages and excessive demand, to dams, pollution, and privatization, all considered in terms of the growing threat of an increasingly unpredictable climate. It also outlines critical tools for managing water, providing safe access to water, and preserving the future of the world’s water supply.
"Climate change, population increase, and the demands made by the growing number of people adopting urban lifestyles and western diets threaten the world's supply of freshwater, edging us closer to a global water crisis, with dire implications for agriculture, the economy, the environment, and human health. Completely revised and updated, The Atlas of Water is a visual guide to the state of this life-sustaining resource. Using vivid graphics, maps, and charts, it explores the complex human interaction with water around the world. This atlas addresses all the pressing issues concerning water, from water shortages and excessive demand, to dams, pollution, and privatization, all considered in terms of the growing threat of an increasingly unpredictable climate. It also outlines critical tools for managing water, providing safe access to water, and preserving the future of the world's water supply." -- Publisher's description