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Planet Water
Book

Planet Water

Investing in the World's Most Valuable Resource

Steve Hoffmann
Wiley, 2009
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Eye Opening

Recommendation

This remarkable, dense book about water covers its uses, chemistry, issues, supply and technology, as well as the modern global water business. Steven J. Hoffmann, a water investment expert, explores the connections among water ecology, regulation and economics while identifying specific investment targets. This volume is for disciplined investors looking to exploit Hoffman’s information to further their own research. While finding the text somewhat long-winded and dry, getAbstract recommends it to technically oriented, serious investors seeking immersion in the water industry.

Summary

“Planet Water”

Water, the source of life, has existed on Earth for 3.8 billion years. Some 39 billion cubic kilometers of water cover 75% of the planet’s surface, the same total amount that existed millions of years ago: 97% salt, 3% fresh. Water appears in liquid, frozen and gaseous forms within common temperatures and pressures. Water vapor is the atmosphere’s third most common gas and redistributes energy through heat exchange and condensation. Water moves through a continuous cycle of evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection, though global demand and climate change affect this cycle.

Scientists do not fully understand the behavior and function of water (hydrogen oxide), including its electrochemical properties. Because of the extensive bonding in water’s hydrogen molecules, it has the second highest specific heat capacity of any compound (except ammonia) and vaporizes at a high temperature. This allows water to buffer the Earth’s wide temperature fluctuations. Water thus enables the oceans to retain heat, which plays a large role in global warming and has a huge impact on the planet’s ability to maintain worldwide seasonal temperatures.

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About the Author

Stephen J. Hoffmann founded WaterTech Capital, a private investment company, and is co-founder and principal architect of the Palisades Water Indexes, tracking indexes for water ETFs. He is also a contributing editor to the Water Investment Newsletter.

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