The general background Earth Charter theme is well described in the benchmark draft version which is presented as section 7 and in greater detail on the Internet web sites of Green Cross International and the Earth Council. The regions of the world that face shortages continue to grow in area and number. The concern is that, while the rising population demands more water, this finite resource must also satisfy the needs of every other form of life. The result could be a series of local and regional disasters and confrontations leading to a crisis of global proportions. Indeed, issues concerning the fresh waters of the world highlight the dilemma facing humankind.
Water is the essence of life.
Most of the human body indeed consists of water. It is no coincidence that civilizations grew along waterways and coastlines and that the control of water supplies has been a contributor to conflict and even war. We have to keep in mind that water is a renewable but limited natural resource. The unbalanced distribution of water resources and wasteful consumption practices have heightened the critical nature of freshwater availability. The use of outdated technologies in the distribution network often cause the loss of a high percentage.