Losing Paradise: The Water Crisis in the Mediterranean

Engineers and anthropologists and other social scientists mostly from the Mediterranean area discuss the looming shortage of the most crucial natural resource in terms of the cultural background in this group of 10 fascinating case studies. Among their topics are the right to have water or an obligation to provide it, water resources and conflict in Lebanon, options for sustainable water management in arid and semi-arid areas, water loss management in Cyprus, water and geology in the Mediterranean, and water conservation in Egypt. The essays are unusual in demonstrating the critical importance of cultural attitudes in influencing how and if people will appreciate and take care of the natural world around them. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Dr. Gail Holst-Warhaft is Professor of European Studies, Cornell University, USA, Dr. Tammo Steenhuis is Professor of of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, USA