Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World's Water

Blue Gold succeeds at correlating the issue of dwindling fresh water supplies with the increasing power of multinational corporations. The book also suggests what needs to be done to secure a water-rich future for the world.Barlow and Clarke begin their analysis by discussing the shortcomings of many publicly-owned water systems, where the use of science and technology have overwhelmed the carrying capacity of the earth. The author's description of Mexico City literally sinking into the ground as underground water supplies are pumped to exhaustion is frightening.But private ownership of water will not rectify the situation. If the corporations' purpose is to serve shareholder interests, the authors argue, how can anyone suppose that water resources will be managed sustainably or equitably by them? Indeed, the book provides many examples of corporate projects that threaten to deplete local fresh water supplies in order to provide (short-lived) profits for investors.Yet, Barlow and Clarke show that schemes to transfer control to corporations are often promoted by the World Bank and other institutions that champion multinational capital investments. This should not be too surprising, as water infrastructures are not unlike other publicly-held assets that have become favorite targets of the investment community (disguised under the banner of "deregulation") in recent years.While making a compelling case that growing corporate influence can only make a bad situation worse, the authors spend several chapters discussing how people can begin to constructively address the situation and turn it around for the better. These sections in particular are thoughtful and are obviously written by persons who have spent a great amount of time on this issue. Far from being merely a "screed" (as the reviewer from the pro-business Cahner's reviews claimed), I found the author's thoughts in these later chapters to be mature, balanced, and humane. Water, as a necessity for life, might indeed be the one issue that unites people around issues of social, economic and environmental justice.I highly recommend this book for readers interested in learning more about an issue that will undoubtedly become increasingly important in the future.

Maude Barlow's "Blue Gold" is an eye opening book that helps us to see what is happening to our water. Slowly but surely, the ownership of our world's water, including water many of us drink at home, is falling under the control of private ownership. When this occurs, it is very tempting for greedy owners to increase the price any time they wish. Since there is usually no alternative for obtaining water, we as users are forced to pay or end up being cut off. This is not joke - because it has already happened in some places, and will happen more often as we enter a future of scarce water. We are at a time in history where humankind's management of water will determine what life forms live and die on the face of our earth, including other humans. What ecosystems have water to sustain their life forms; what farms receive water to produce food for our escalating populations; what suburbs and cities receive water to continue growing while quenching the thirst of their rising populations; what manufacturers receive water to produce consumer goods - will all be determined by those who control or own the rights to water. Over the past 30 years I have read hundreds of books on water - Barlow's book is one of the best when it comes to alerting us to the dangers of monopolistic control and ownership of our earth's waters. I recommend this book to anyone who cares about their children and our human civilization. Water is one of the basic rights any human being should have reasonable access to. Without water - you cannot live. What price you are willing to pay may soon be determined by owners who live in other countries and who could care less about your so called `rights" to have water. I see "Blue Gold" as a wake up call for all of us. It is only by being informed that we will be able to protect ourselves from being victimized.

This is a decent read. The authors presented important water related issues and backed their positions with decent facts. There is a touch of a single minded perspective with commitment to the cause, at times overshadowing impartiality and the search for truth, but it wasn't too bad. A wider take on the economic aspects, with consideration for both sides of the argument would have been helpful. Overall a definitely a recommended read.

I saw PBS video on this subject so I had prior knowledge of this subject. However, the author has given very good account of the problem and politics that is behind the life's most important life sustaining commodity. I always wonder about the guy or gal who came up with idea of selling water in plastic bottles.

Shocking book about corporate invasion of our water systems. More and more countries,including parts of our own, have allowed corporate interests to take over water. Examines whathappens, and to whom. Discusses the profit motive that companies have and how it affects thedistribution of water. Everyone MUST read this book. You will never assume that the water thatcomes out of your faucet will always be there.

Water is essential. This read is essential.

A great continuation on the discourse of privatized water services and the detrimental effects of making natural resources a commodity.

It's very good that "Blue Gold " was delivered so quckly.My friend in the US was very happy to get it.

Stunning account of our effect on a vital to life resource. Reminiscent of Rachel Carson and just as life changing, at least in terms of attitude and understanding of the awful mess we are creating. Greed, stupidity, ignorance and willful vandalism on behalf of corporate entities make for an account of factual evidence, you will not want to believe.

This book changed my thoughts on water and how we use/abuse it. I've become more aware of my families water consumption since reading it and I've tried to get everyone I know to read it, so they can become as aware and passionate about water as I have become.

GOOD READ, AN EYE OPENER FOR SURE !!