Today, more than a billion people are without easy access to safe drinking water. By 2050, almost half the world’s population will face severe water shortages.

The planet is running out of fresh water fast. Yet water is a key commodity for future development. This crucial and timely atlas shows water distribution worldwide, and considers a future where privatization and profit dictate availability.

With snapshots of vulnerable areas – such as Bangladesh, California, Mexico City and the Middle East – as well as the global picture, this is a unique resource for general readers, as well as policy makers and students.