Corporate social responsibility

The private sector and global water problems

© Klaus Holsting

United Nations Development Programme recently published The 2006 Human Development Report , focusing on the fact that access to water rather than the supply of water is the problem for poor people. This is due to inequality, uneven power relations and economic and social conditions.

Danish companies can make a difference!

A study in Danish investments in India showed that only a small number of companies had given careful consideration to the effects of their investments in water access for the local community.

Alhough the difference between water consumption in industries, such as software production and agriculture, is very big, it is still very important that all companies give consideration to the total effects of their investments in order to support a positive development of the local community. Both the amount of water used and the waste water are crucial.

1.1 billion people are without clean, safe water

UNDPs report concludes that 1.1 billion people live without access to clean water. The lack of clean water will lead to diseases, hunger and ultimately increased poverty.

The seventh goal of the Millennium Development Goals is about reducing the number of people who live without access to clean water in 2015. If this goal is to be reached, international partnerships are necessary and corporations have a huge responsibility.