A shortage of water and the inability to grow food is the root cause of much suffering and poverty. Over a billion people do not have access to a safe supply of water and the number is growing.
Large areas of the world already suffer from drought while deserts and populations increase in size. Rainfall remains broadly constant, yet demand for water has doubled in the last 20 years. As demand outstrips renewable supply, the depletion of ground water is accelerated. In coastal regions this causes saline intrusion which reduces the ability to grow crops and is now a major problem in many parts of the world.
Agriculture accounts for 70% of fresh water used globally. This percentage is often higher in regions that suffer from chronic water shortages. In the Middle East and North Africa, for example, up to 90% of available water is used in agriculture.
With the world water cycle roughly constant, the only source of sufficient fresh water to meet rising demand is the sea. No activity can take place without fresh water. The Seawater Greenhouse is an easily implemented process which offers a low-cost solution for the production of fresh water, and the cultivation of crops.
