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Water's central role in the biosphere implies that several of the large issues confronting humanity are in fact related to water: pollution, desertification, water scarcity-related conflicts, water-logging of mismanaged agricultural lands, forest die-back, eutrophication, and fish kill, to mention a few. The article identifies a number of reasons why man has not been able to solve water-related problems at lower hierarchical levels: complexity of water vs. simplicity with which it is being addressed; impact as non-professional perceptual differences leading to widespread communication problems; deep involvement of water in the generating, spreading and growth of environmental disturbances; and upstream/downstream dichotomies in international river basins. The global policy dimensions of water are clarified: on the one hand, the global circulation system of a resource that incessantly transcends international boundaries; on the other, the fact that water problems are common to all countries. After selected examples of past efforts in global problem-solving, the discussion concentrates on the UN Water Conference in Mar del Plata in 1977 and the extremely weak follow-up of its many recommendations and resolutions. The explanation is sought in pitfalls and barriers similar to those operating at lower hierarchical levels. Special emphasis is placed on decision-makers' tendency to react to perceived rather than predicted problems, on an almost extreme administrative fragmentation, and on the general absence of a body combining overall overview with overall responsibility in the field of water. The article closes with the pessimistic observation that there are indeed limited alternatives to global policy-making, and that there is not much time for delay. Mankind will have to pay the price in terms of quality of life and futures foregone.

It is argued that many of the biggest problems facing humankind are related to water: pollution, desertification, water-logging, etc. Reasons for humanity's seeming inability to solve these problems are enumerated, & include: issues of communication; the growth of environmental disturbances; & dichotomies in international river basins. Related policy issues are clarified. It is argued that global leadership on this issue has tended to respond to perceived, not predicted, problems, & has been subject to administrative fragmentation. It is concluded that the situation is urgent, & that there are few solutions short of universal policies. 2 Figures, 26 References. Adapted from the source document.

This book describes the role of water in development and illustrates water problems in different parts of the world with particular emphasis on the problems of the starving continents. It shows what tools will be needed and what can be done to bring the world's water under human control.

The world's human population now constitutes the largest driving force of changes to the biosphere. Emerging water challenges require new ideas for governance and management of water resources in the context of rapid global change. This book presents a new approach to water resources, addressing global sustainability and focusing on socio-ecological resilience to changes. Topics covered include the risks of unexpected change, human impacts and dependence on global water, the prospects for feeding the world's population by 2050, and a pathway for the future. The book's innovative and integrated approach links green and blue freshwater with terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem functions and use. It also links changes arising from land-use alteration with the impacts of those changes on social-ecological systems and ecosystem services. This is an important, state-of-the-art resource for academic researchers and water resource professionals, and a key reference for graduate students studying water resource governance and management