International tensions around water are rising in many of the world's most volatile regions. The policy recipe pursued by the West, and imposed on governments elsewhere, is to pass control over water to private interests. This book exposes the enormity of the problem, and the dangers of the proposed solution.
In a shocking expos, "Blue Gold, " available now in paperback, shows why, as the vice president of the World Bank has pronounced, "The wars of the next century will be about water."
'[A] well-researched book [that] provides a sobering, in-depth look at the growing scarcity of fresh water and the increasing privatization and corporate control of this non-renewable resource.'
Library Journal
'After reading this non-fiction account of the globe's shrinking water supply, it is hard not to think how privileged we are to enjoy simple morning showers, a glass of water, or one-hour drives to the beach.'
Winnipeg Free Press
'To describe a book on water as 'refreshing' may be a clich but the directness and commitment that springs from these pages is both engaging and motivating.'
New Agriculturist Online
'In Blue Gold, activists Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke offer an angry and persuasive account of how this (false sense of security) has damaged the environment and how the privatization of once-public resources threatens to exacerbate the problem.'
Business Week
'This book points out the need for further research into water management, institutional and policy issues, principles and practices.'
Natural Resources Forum
'Blue Gold provides an alternative viewpoint to that presented by many international institutions. The book is a must for campaginers against privatization of water services and makes interesting reading for anyone working in water and sanitation services.'
Water Lines