In 2007, one out of every five people globally lacked access to clean drinking water. 46 In August 2006, an international conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, to discuss global water issues. A UN...

In 2007, one out of every five people globally lacked access to clean drinking water. 46 In August 2006, an international conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, to discuss global water issues. A UN study reported that many large water corporations have decreased their investments in developing countries because of high political and financial risks. Even nations that have had abundant water supplies are experiencing significant reductions. These reductions are believed to be caused by two factors: the decline in rainfall and increased evaporation of water due to global warming and the loss of wetlands. Water is something that affects every person each and every day. The executive director of the Stockholm Water Institute, Anders Berntell, noted that water affects the areas of agriculture, energy, transportation, forestry, trade, financing, and social and political security. The Food and Agriculture Organization points out, “Agriculture is the world’s largest water consumer. Any water crisis will therefore also create a food crisis.”