The world needs to use water more efficiently rather than exhausting invisible underground supplies and blindly exporting "virtual water" to avert a global crisis that would undermine food and energy systems, a leading expert warned. "We are really facing a global crisis," he said, noting that demand is predicted to outstrip supply by 40 per cent by 2030. The conservation expert said water is undervalued, wasted and being depleted too fast, having been traditionally regarded as a "free" human right. CITY STRESSHowever, attitudes are changing as thirsty cities suck up more water than their surroundings can provide, Boltz noted. Next week, researchers, decision makers and aid specialists will gather in Stockholm for the annual "World Water Week" where they will discuss how to reduce waste in water use.

Source: The Star August 24, 2017 14:48 UTC