Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity

by Sandra Postel

As we approach the twenty-first century, we are entering a new era-an era of water scarcity. We have taken for granted seemingly endless supplies of water flowing from reservoirs wells, and diversion projects; access to water has been key to food security, industrialization, and the growth of cities. In this book from the Worldwatch Institute, Sandra Postel explains that decades of profligacy and mismanagement of the world's water resources have produced signs of shortages and environmental destruction. She writes with authority and clarity of the limits-ecological, economic, and political-of this vital natural resource. She explores the potential for conflict over water between nations, and between urban and rural residents. And she offers a sensible way out of such struggles. Last Oasis makes clear that the technologies and know-how exist to increase the productivity of every liter of water. But citizens must first understand the issues and insist on policies, laws, and institutions that promote the sustainable use of water.

Genres: Environment

266 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1992

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in '92 but still true as ever before.

At the heart of the matter is modern society's disconnection from water's life-giving qualities. We have lost a sense of respect for the wild river, for the complex workings of a wetland, for the intricate web of life that water supports. By and large, water has become strictly a resource to be dammed, diverted, and drained for human consumption.

[Jason Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 1992 and a lot has changed since then. I look forward to reading her latest, Replenish, to see what has changed and how we as a visitor on this planet can change our ways to make our stay here just as enjoyable for future generations as it is for us.

[M Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after already reading Pillar of Sand. I found this to be a fast and easy read.

[Mateo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sober and comprehensive. Worldwatch is my source for sober and comprehensive environmental writing.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked reading the background knowledge about water issues around the world, but it id outdated. So in order to really get a handle on things I would need to read current works.

[Taner Kandemir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Su problemlerini öngören, alınabilecek tedbirler üzerine öneriler sunan, çevre ve su üzerine son derece bilgilendirici bir kitap.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

great overview of water scarcity and great suggestions for solutions

[WBJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A view of the coming water crisis in North America