Fred, an interesting review of Richter's book. Recent work looking at extreme events in the US identified that drought can ofetn be a cause for conflict whereas flooding often draws communities together. There has been strong evidence of this in the UK over last winter too. I see the use of water footprinting and as linked to resource management as a way of having good policy dialogue. If water is seen as a local resource to be enjoyed by that local community but not compromising the rights of others, then that is a good place to start. Sadly there are many water stressed areas in the World where the drought psyche described by Richter is evident. What is needed is for people to recognise others needs and to behave accordingly. In that context there may be a case to say that many areas of the World are over-exploiting water and there is a need for balance to be restored to ensure long term sustainability.
Steve
Fred, an interesting review of Richter's book. Recent work looking at extreme events in the US identified that drought can ofetn be a cause for conflict whereas flooding often draws communities together. There has been strong evidence of this in the UK over last winter too. I see the use of water footprinting and as linked to resource management as a way of having good policy dialogue. If water is seen as a local resource to be enjoyed by that local community but not compromising the rights of others, then that is a good place to start. Sadly there are many water stressed areas in the World where the drought psyche described by Richter is evident. What is needed is for people to recognise others needs and to behave accordingly. In that context there may be a case to say that many areas of the World are over-exploiting water and there is a need for balance to be restored to ensure long term sustainability.
Steve