—Pauline Brez, commenting on "Stormy waters", in No 296 Q3 2013

The Middle East and North Africa region has the greatest absolute and relative water supply problem, in fact, classified as "high" stress compared to the rest of the world which is classified as moderate (Asia) and low (all other regions). It is estimated that the Middle East's population of 314 million will rise by 34 million within 30 years, with an annual water requirement of 470 billion cubic metres–132 billion more than the total available supplies, based on current level of consumption from both renewable and non-renewable sources and on the assumption that there will be an improvement in conservation of about 2% annually. Arab Gulf states water needs jumped from 6 billion cubic meters in 1980 to 22.5 billion cubic meter in 1990 and estimated to reach 35.5 billion by the end of 2013.

—John Williams, commenting on "Water balance" in No 296 Q3 2013

Young people have to work with the frustrating fact that the environment was destroyed and resources were ravaged so the people whom we pay retirement for could live in luxury and ignorance.

—Ben, commenting on "The conflict between generations: Fact or fiction?" in No 290/291 2012

Which begs the question why is energy so cheap? Why is the green movement not screaming to increase the price of energy? Why are people still buying SUVs? Why are SUVs allowed to be made? Why are aircraft still flying?

—Gordon, Canada, commenting on "21st century energy: Some sobering thoughts" in No 258/259, December 2006

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©OECD Observer No 297, Q4 2013