Conflict over Finite Resources

One big weakness in the public's ability to properly manage resources is knowledge. A couple of centuries ago, most people lived in rural environments rather than urban, and relied on availability of resources like water, wood for construction and heat, the ability to grow crops for food, to maintain their existence. They were focused on the ability to obtain their own resources, rather than have those resources provided for them through central planning by government. With that part of the process taken out of the hands of the consumer, there is little motivation to understand how the avilibity of resources can effect the end user, or the greater society.

As demand for water hits the limits of finite supply, potential conflicts are brewing between nations that share transboundary freshwater reserves. More than 50 countries on five continents might soon be caught up in water disputes unless they move quickly to establish agreements on how to share reservoirs, rivers, and underground water acquifers. The articles and analysis below examine international water disputes, civil disturbances caused by water shortages, and potential regulatory solutions to diffuse water conflict.

Water in Conflict - global policy

Strength comes from individuals and groups learning how to manage their own resources independent of governments. Consider the zenith resource; water. The one we can not live without. As governments and private corporations move to secure water rights and charge consumers increasingly greater amounts, we see conflict rising in many countries around the world. We also see conflict rising over privitization of food supplies around the world, with increases in costs to consumers leading to eruptions.