The last decade witnessed a surge in the recognition of water’s critical role in global development, driven by a confluence of factors. Severe droughts highlighting the necessity of water management for food security, rising fossil fuel costs prompting a shift towards hydroelectric power, and the industrialization goals of developing nations all underscored the increasing demand for water resources. Furthermore, concerns regarding access to safe drinking water and escalating water pollution, spurred by United Nations initiatives, emphasized the need for sustainable water development. These events collectively highlighted the imperative for optimized water utilization and quality maintenance on a global scale.
By Asit K. Biswas, 1981. Proceedings of the United Nations University-The Tokyo Geographical Society Joint Symposium on The Role of Geosciences in Development: Resources and Environment, Tokyo, October 1981.