Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 12/2012

Asia's Next Challenge: Securing the Region's Water Future

Tommy , Koh (Chairman)

April 2009

Asia Society

Abstract

Decreased access to a safe, stable water supply in Asia "will have a profound impact on security throughout the region," warns a new Asia Society Leadership Group report. In response to the cascading set of consequences reduced access to fresh water will trigger—including impaired food production, the loss of livelihood security, largescale migration within and across borders, and increased economic and geopolitical tensions and instabilities—the report recommends a comprehensive strategy to avert a regional crisis.