The World's Poverty, Climate, Water Supply, Energy, and Risks

Abstract

There is an urgent need to improve the quality of li fe for the 2.5 - 3 billion people now living in poverty. More than 1.1 billion are undernourished. Many are water poor and/or energy poor. It is urgent that efforts be increased to improve the knowledge of renewable, sustainable, and environmentally fri endly resources that can be used to provide a better quality of life for the present population and for the probable doubling of the population within this century. Water is available as precipitation, surface water, and groundwater. Knowledge of the ade quacy of these sources of water is based on estimates. These estimates are based on available data that is usually incomplete, fragmentary, or of poor quality. The international agencies should make a strong effort to improve the quantity and quality of the available information on how much, when, and where water is available. Some estimates of the availability of water are included in this paper. A moisture adequacy index (MAI) and some of its uses are described. The World Water and Climate Atlas and i ts use in determining water availability are described. The World Commission on Dams and the United Nations (UNESCO) have provided guidelines on how to meet the needs for increased electrical energy and for water used for other purposes. A small increase in the use of electrical energy can produce a large reduction in poverty, reduce malnutrition, improve health, and decrease population growth. This paper strongly supports the recommendations of the World Commission on Dams and The United Nations (UNESCO). The world wide potential for green energy is enormous. Laws that decrease the use of non-renewable energy and encourage the use of renewable resource energy should be strengthened. A brief overview of some of the legal issues is included. CE Database subject headings: Dams, Rural electrification, Sustainable