Official warns of coming water wars
Published: March 22, 2008 at 6:37 PM
LONDON, March 22 (UPI) -- Britains' international development minister urged industrial countries Saturday to act quickly to ensure world water supplies and prevent "water wars."
Gareth Thomas issued his warning on World Water Day, The Independent reported. He said more than 1 billion people already lack adequate water supplies.
"If we do not act, the reality is that water supplies may become the subject of international conflict in the years ahead," Thomas said in a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. "We need to invest now to prevent us having to pay that price in the future."
A coalition of non-governmental organizations established World Water Day to draw attention to the need for safe, reliable water supplies. The coalition warns that climate change may play havoc with water supplies while developing countries become more urbanized, requiring more water for sanitation.
Gareth Thomas issued his warning on World Water Day, The Independent reported. He said more than 1 billion people already lack adequate water supplies.
"If we do not act, the reality is that water supplies may become the subject of international conflict in the years ahead," Thomas said in a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. "We need to invest now to prevent us having to pay that price in the future."
A coalition of non-governmental organizations established World Water Day to draw attention to the need for safe, reliable water supplies. The coalition warns that climate change may play havoc with water supplies while developing countries become more urbanized, requiring more water for sanitation.
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