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Coca-Cola, the world's largest soft drink maker, said Tuesday that it would
invest $20 million over five years to improve global water conservation. The
plan is part of the company's effort to adapt to global warming and to address a
crucial constraint to growth in emerging markets.
The company, which gave $80 million to charitable foundations last year, will
set measurable targets for improving its efficiency of water use and to ensure
that by 2010 all its wastewater is clean enough to support aquatic life.
"Our pledge is to replace every drop," said E. Neville Isdell, the company's
chief executive. "Addressing water issues is one of the most urgent
climate-adaptation priorities."
About 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, many in emerging
markets that are the beverage maker's fastest growing outlets. By 2025,
two-thirds of the world's population will face water shortages, according ...