Vellam Venum

My two bits of malayalam (mean's 'want water')

Even in my life back in India have seen how critical water needs have become and how this could pose a significant hindrance to third world growth. In south states of karnataka and Tamil Nadu - there has been decades of disputes regarding cauvary. If population growth rates sustain at the current rate - Fresh Water supplies is going to the be #1 issue in most of Asia.

I would go as far as predicting ( I am not a pessimist - but there are significant risks of this occurance) that we may have future conflicts, international political incidents (wars, trade embargo's, United nations involvement) over water. This article from Rajesh's site written by worldchanging propounds this view and puts water concerns as the #1 concern along with AIDS.

Concentrated research should focus on low cost desalination tools and filtering and purification technology.