ABSTRACT
A freshwater crisis has been predicted and listed among pressing global problems. Nano innovations have been proposed as instruments for curbing the predicted freshwater crisis and for ameliorating water pollution problems. Whereas proponents of nano-based water management argue that nano innovations will further a sustainable development, critics argue that nano innovations will promote unsustainable development. The chapter examines the ensuing conflict concerning the sustainability of nano innovations. It presents this conflict as emanating from worldview differences between nano proponents and critics. The chapter argues that what nano innovations are and what their effects on the environment and society are depend on the worldview, local context, and interests of the affected community. Freshwater crisis, scarcity, or stress has been predicted and listed among such pressing global problems as energy and poverty. Freshwater is a basic need that is critical to human health and survival, social welfare, and economic and industrial development.
