Privatisation of water is high on Kyoto summit agenda

Arguments over who should govern and finance water services are expected to top the agenda at the third meeting of the world water forum, which was held in Kyoto, Japan, this week.

The United Nations has warned that political inertia over water management is deepening a crisis caused by dwindling supplies, while demand is soaring at an “unsustainable” rate. The impact of water shortages will be greatest for the poorest nations, whose food supplies and health are directly threatened.

According to a UN report released before the conference, one billion people currently lack access to …