Lead or Get Out of the Way!

Have you watched what is happening in Bali? Of course not...because our media doesn't care. Well, read the BBC's pages and you'll see that there is a global environmental UN conference happening...maybe more meaningful than Kyoto because the USA isn't going to get away without doing something. US reps were using some lame excuse about the developing country regs not being tough enough (sure they aren't) and suggested they were not going to sign. Suddenly boos rang out from the delegation when the rep from New Guinea said..."you either lead or get out of the way!" Amen!

So...
I'm not sure if most of you know...BUT, Atlanta Georgia is running out of water. In fact, its now predicted that over 5 millions residents of this southeast region will be OUT OF WATER by FEBRUARY. No kids, I didn't say in 10 years or even 10 months....because most of us put those things out of our mind....I said 60 DAYS! So, how do you fix it? Some have suggested trucking in water. Hmmm. That would be economical? Talk about a carbon foot print that would exacerbate the new weather paradigm we currently feel. Do you recall the exodus from New Orleans? Can you imagine a bigger one? Can you say U-HAUL?

So how did this happen? Well....
Those Southeasterners love those big green lawns; they love their six toilet homes; they love their pools (and they aren't alone). Largely they have built sprawling development without any consideration for resources AND there is no consciousness in the population to do anything different. Further, the local political structure has known of the issues and stuck their head in the sand because they would appear "unpopular." Lead, or get out of the way!

Now what?
Well, just like in California and in Arizona this is going to be a fight for water rights to the rivers flowing south (think Mono Lake and Colorado River). Let's see...what is south of Georgia....hmmmm. FLORIDA!!!! Yes, let's steal the water from Florida, they aren't growing, they don't have water issues (in fact Georgia is now trying to secure more than its 16% share of this water).

My friends...
Water is now worth its weight in gold. So here is my real estate investment strategies for gaining extraordinary value in light of shrinking natural resources.

1. Live in an area with plentiful fresh running water (as close to the source) sorry Arizona.
2. If living in multi-level housing (hi-rise) - long term the ground floors are going to be worth more a) because water pressure can't push to upper levels AND b) the costs to run elevators via electricity will be too expensive thus stairs will become the predominate use (ok - extreme, but think about it);
3. Live in an area that still produces agriculture; access to local food is going to be critical as trucking costs increase and "clean" foods become more difficult to harvest. Have space for your own garden;
4. Make sure you have a bike and know how to ride it well, you'll be using it (and should be using it) more often.

Conclusion: Pacific Northwest is a pretty darn good place to be in light of the issues. We have hydro power, we much water (heck it falls from the sky) and there is good agriculture still produced around us.