Diminishing Liquid Assets

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Scotland has an abundance of the world’s most valuable liquid asset. Water. Much of the Earth is not so fortunate. In 2001 The World Health Organisation reported that 1 billion people were affected by water shortages and contamination. Over 3 million people die each year because of water-related diseases and 90% of these deaths are caused by contamination, not shortages. By 2025, it is expected that two-thirds of the world's population will experience water shortages. Today in the Middle East water is more valuable than oil. One of the most worrying global impacts of Climate Change will be chronic water shortages with Europe and even the UK and Ireland being affected. It is possible that a future world war could be fought over access to water.

Water really is a rapidly diminishing liquid asset.

But, there is light at the end of the tunnel. My research group is developing a process using light and white paint pigments to clean contaminated water. These simple, sustainable methods could solve many of the world’s water contamination problems.

A final thought. When the oil runs out we switch off the lights, but if water runs out we switch off life.

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