Carbon management is in fashion, big time. Tesco and Walkers have carbon labelled products. This is an attempt to make footprints seem ‘real.’ There is money to be made in offsetting and on the carbon markets.
In contrast, water management has long been ignored. A fact highlighted by the recent EIRIS report on drought and the impact of water scarcity on business. Water scarcity maps for the next 50 years predict drought and water stress in much of Africa, Central America and even parts of theMediterranean.
But not in theUK, we have plenty of water don’t we?
No.
According to the latest figures released by DEFRA, East Angliais now officially classed as being in drought. The Met offices rainfall figures for last year show that 2010 was one of the driest years on record in theUK, with just 950mm of rain.
With the reluctance of Governments to set binding carbon targets, global water legislation is even further down the agenda. Is it really necessary for the four horsemen of the apocalypse to ride into town before something is done?
The careful management of this precious resource would ensure security of supply for future generations as well as the current population.
Right now, this is something that is all too easily overlooked.