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Running dry? U.N. issues world water warning

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 04:28

Aug. 28 - Water shortages could fuel food price hikes and spark global instability says a U.N.-sponsored report.

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What's a scarcity is a serious problem in itself of course but it could also have devastating consequences of global free production and supply. For more I'm joined from Stockholm by adults Alastair Morrison program manager at the UNDP what's good governance the -- Also funds for joining us I'm -- some themselves so I guess that's -- not been up also sued just fit for the world's expected nine billion people. By the end the 25 day. Is that something that you would go along with. -- -- predict exactly how things have developed I mean if bonds is in the technology irrigation could make things. That's as long as we organizing governor ourselves properly. Climate change as well could might benefit few countries that it's going to impact pretty negative -- lots of loss of people. What kind of hurt themselves I mean that many people would say about scare mongering -- -- previous. Essential but kind of a global food shortages. How proven to be an accurate and the failed to. Take into -- kind that technological. Advances. Well -- mean the search. Enabled as technologically Thompson say on me coming recessed can help us time. Responsible or search scientific advances could help us address these challenges that we need to a page attention in fast and develop solutions before we can we get time I've come by these problems. But of course I mean that is no doubt that is. -- problem with won't water scarcity and the impact that will have on thinks supply. Do you have any sense of what that will mean floats food prices. I a would expect price is today continued to rise in pressure. It inspection poorest countries you have to import it. City keep on growing. On what what can can be done to mitigate that. I mean reducing waste each of -- to have Larry large percentage of fetus actually lost between the fields and full. That's a -- management processes. Refrigeration. Look gritty street losses during during the supply chain all about could help actually make sure -- that's we -- actually gets eaten and not waste it. -- the stock the stock moments that you suggests that -- reliable system of free trade would also help calm. What needs to change and global trade. But the number of cases Laffey discrediting radiated. On economic and sometimes aside and environmental crisis on some countries. Irrigating not terrorists have assets this to some countries that want grants. Irrigation schemes that perhaps they should concentrate -- packs a punch yourself sweat we -- feet in the areas where it's actually easier more natural to do say. And other countries stood up up the scales and we trait amongst ourselves. You mentioned a second goal that you think too pricey -- we'll continue to rise. -- specifically. I'll be talking what what crops specifically. I didn't not -- extent to which -- save them or on the water and irrigation sides have to speak to one of my colleagues about not okay. Just and just to finish up those old soul a suggestion out there that's shift a global shift. To vegetarianism I would tell. You know help in the situation you have media and and so you think that's likely. There are -- some in their. It's putting more countries. It's acceptable -- sand -- said many countries like in patient more more meat is being beaten and sound. Sort of an awareness I mean people are not necessary well how much walks it goes into each eyes and feet that -- thing. In those countries with a water shortage. Perhaps people should look at very eating habits. Pack of mitigates against some of the west effects of water shortages. OK also thank you very much for joining us my spikes there's two Alastair Mollison talking to Reuters from the world Watson beat Fulham in Stockholm. Now sultan -- and -- -- -- but this is what is.