The Water Footprint of Modern Consumer Society
'How much water do we really use, as individuals and society? Until recently, we didn't really know, but the concept of the "water footprint" – developed and analyzed by Arjen Y. Hoekstra (and his colleagues) – has revolutionized our understanding of our water use. Hoekstra's compelling and informative book is a vital contribution to the desperately needed public debate over how best to move to sustainable water management, use, and policy. It deserves to be read by anyone concerned about the planet’s freshwater resources.' –Dr. Peter H. Gleick, president and co-founder of the Pacific Institute and creator ofThe World’s Waterbook series ‘Over the next 20 years the global demand for water is expected to exceed supply by 40% with dire consequences for our planet. Professor Hoekstra’s meticulously researched book uses the concept of water footprinting – in ways that make it easy to understand just how much water plays a central part in our everyday lives – as a means of helping to manage and reduce water consumption. It is a timely contribution to an increasingly urgent debate.’ –Paul Polman, CEO Unilever 'No concept has done more to show the role of water in our lives. For too long, water has been mismanaged because it was invisible. The water footprint concept has helped us see how water flows through our lives and economies – and what we value, we protect.' –Stuart Orr, Freshwater Manager, WWF International 'The importance of water in the consumer goods sector is clear. As a result, many companies in this sector not only recognize the value of water stewardship strategies in managing the issue of "social license to operate", but also as an important framework in supporting a "license to grow". Without adequate supplies of water, this sector will likely face challenges in meeting their growth strategies. This contribution by Professor Hoekstra advances our understanding of the role of water in the consumer goods sector and can move us closer to addressing water scarcity and sustainable consumption and move towards a Circular Economy.' –Will Sarni, Director and Practice Leader, Enterprise Water Strategy, Deloitte Consulting LLP'The Water Footprint of Modern Consumer Society  is worthy of the highest recommendation especially for college and university library collections'– James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review