The World's Water 1998-1999: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. - Review - book review

Sierra, May, 2000 by B.S.

The World's Water 1998-1999: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources by Peter H. Gleick (Island Press, $29.95) is a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the world's water situation, with a wealth of data presented in clear graphic form. Gleick covers everything from the environmental impacts of huge dam projects such as China's controversial Three Gorges Dam to descriptions of new ways to move water.

Among the worst unintended consequences of huge dams is an increase in earthquakes, even in seismically inactive areas. And among the more exotic proposals for delivering water are ambitious schemes to tow it across the seas in gigantic bags. Packed with technical detail yet quite readable, this book is both an excellent reference work and an intriguing general introduction.