Shifting global water systems: markers of a new geological epoch, “The Anthropocene”

Global Water System Project, Bonn

19-May-2013

Bonn Declaration issued by ‘Water in the Anthropocene’ science conference:  A majority on Earth face severe self-inflicted water handicap within two generations

North AmericaA conference of leading water scientists from around the world today issued a stark warning that, without major reforms, “in the short span of one or two generations, the majority of the 9 billion people on Earth will be living under the handicap of severe pressure on fresh water, an absolutely essential natural resource for which there is no substitute. This handicap will be self-inflicted and is, we believe, entirely avoidable.”

The scientists bluntly pointed to chronic underlying problems led by mismanagement and sent a prescription to policy makers in a 1,000-word declaration issued at the end of a four-day meeting in Bonn, Germany, “Water in the Anthropocene,” organized by the Global Water System Project and detailed in a pre-conference release: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-05/gwsp-sig051413.php.

The full text of The Bonn Declaration, click here

“Water in the Anthopocene” data visualization video, click here

Example coverage by

Agence France Presse (France), click here

The Guardian (UK), click here

Agencia EFE (Spain), click here

Asian News International (India), click here

ANSA (Italy), click here

Reuters AlertNet / SciDev (UK), click here

BBC Brazil, click here

Bloomberg News, click here

InterPress Service (USA), click here (English), here (Chinese) and here (Dutch)

Voice of America, click here

Coverage summary, click here