o regional and global ecosystems caused by anthropogenic and natural climate change (Cosgrove, 2003). Available global water resources INFRASTRUCTURE TO 2030: TELECOM, LAND TRANSPORT, WATER AND ELECTRICITY - ISBN 92-64-02398-4 © OECD 2006 5. THE IMPACTS OF CHANGE ON THE LONG-TERM FUTURE DEMAND FOR WATER SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE Table 5.5. Benefit/cost ratio for interventions in developing regions and Eurasia WHO/UNICEF, 2005 Result of intervention Benefit/cost ratio Halving the proportion of people without access to improved water sources by 2015 Halving the proportion of people without access to improved water sources and improved sanitation by 2015 Universal access to improved water and improved sanitation services by 2015 Universal access to improved water and improved sanitation, with water disinfected at the point of use by 2015 Universal access to a regulated piped water supply and sewage connection in house by 2015 are becoming progressively diminished while populations are increasing, leading to greater scarcity and predictions of an increase in conflicts. In 1999 there were reported to be 261 international transboundary basins that together covered 45% of the earth's land surface, encompassing 40% of the world's population, and providing 60% of the earth's entire freshwater volume. A total of 145 countries' land areas fall partially or completely within international basins. Although water wars are not common, the diminishing of water quality or quantity destabilises regions, especially within transboundary basins (Wolf, n.d.). It is postulated (Hassan, 2001) that from a historical perspective, an integrative ethic of water management is now needed. This is due to the current paradox in developed world attitudes to water - a result of the fragmentation of management and a marketing ethos that regards everything (including water) as a commodity and profit as the ultimate objective (Hassan, 2001), and the simultaneous perception of water as a human right. Global co-operation must be based on the real exchange