SA businesses are unaware of their water footprints
The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Risk Report 2012 lists a global water supply crisis as the second most important global risk, second to a major systemic failure of our financial systems, according to this report, courtesy Global Carbon Exchange - http://www.globalcarbonexchange.com/. South Africa, for example, faces a looming water shortfall of 2,7-billion cubic metres by 2030.
Third on the list of risks is a global food shortage, which is linked strongly to water supply. The availability of freshwater therefore presents one of the greatest risks to our global economy. Closer to home, we celebrated National Water Week from 12-19 March, with World Water Day on 22 March 2012 - aimed at creating greater public awareness of water issues. Beyond the public, however, it appears that South Africa's greatest concern lies with local businesses.