This book exposes how water flow links nature and society through water's many parallel functions as the 'blood stream' of both the biosphere and the imbedded anthroposphere, and the resulting conflicts that arise. The authors argue that a sustainable future depends fundamentally on our ability to manage these trade-offs.
They advocate an ecological approach to land/water/environmental problems and argue for viewing precipitation as the gross water resource. Distinguishing between terrestrial aquatic ecosystems they show how an ecological approach can be expressed in water-related trade-offs, incorporating criteria for long-term resilience.
Based on per capita needs for an acceptable nutritional diet, the authors analyze the amounts of water needed for global food production by 2050 and identify potential sources. Drawing on small-scale experiences in Africa and Asia, they also cover the vulnerability of the semi-arid tropics, disentangling it into green and blue water scarcity components.

Table of Contents:

Introduction; PART I: WATER FUNCTIONS IN THE LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEM: The Blood Stream of the Biosphere; Water Availability; Human Water Requirements; Incorporating Water for Ecosystem 'Services'; Regional Differences; PART II: CLOSING UP ON THE VULNERABLE SAVANNA ZONE: Vulnerability to the Savanna Zone; Water Perspective of Feeding Humanity; Closing the Yield Gap on the Savanna; PART III: FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN WATER FOR HUMANS AND FOR NATURE: Towards Hydro-solidarity through Integrated Land/Water Ecosystem Management; Bibliography; Index.