The New Economy: Water-Driven?

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A report released today reiterates an often ignored problem–that water isn’t the unlimited resource we often treat it like.

The Johnson Foundation has released a report called “Charting New Waters: a Call to Action to Address U.S. Freshwater Challenges,” which details the necessity in developing water technology, as 36 states expect to be facing water shortages by 2013.

Noting that such shortages will severely undermine the economy, the Foundation also mentions that water use and energy use are intertwined. The Journal Sentinel writes:

“Energy production accounts for over two-fifths of all U.S. water use, meaning a big carbon footprint creates a big water footprint. But it takes prodigious energy to clean and pump water.”

It’s clear that the report is meant to spur change in the water-technology sector in the U.S. in a way that will sufficiently address the problem as well as reducing our carbon footprint–the title of the report says it all. Because while water shortages will take a huge toll on the American economy, it’s also important to keep in mind how dire climate change and the water situation will be throughout the rest of the world in the next few years.