January 22, 2008PepsiCo Foundation announces major new grant to the Earth Institute at Columbia University to promote global water sustainability
January 22 – Projects designed to address the emerging challenges of global water scarcity received a $6 million boost today with the announcement of a new grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to the Earth Institute at Columbia University. Targeted solutions towards more efficient water use and sustainable supply development will be explored in critical settings in India, Brazil, China and several countries in Africa. The grant demonstrates how private companies can work with academic institutions to practice sustainable development and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals -- eight globally endorsed targets that seek to help the world's poor including halving the number of people living in extreme poverty by 2015.
"Water is at the core of economic development and human well being," said Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute. "With water there can be productive agriculture, good nutrition, sanitation, and health. Without water there is only poverty and disease. Yet water is under unprecedented stress, from inadequate farm practices, climate change, population pressures, and pollution. New technologies, new business strategies, and new public policies can overcome the growing water crisis. Our new project and partnership will help to develop and demonstrate the best options for future years in the Americas, Africa, and Asia." More >>>
