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Students and Activists from Coast to Coast Call on Coke to Stop Stealing Water People Across US Join Growing International Effort to Pressure Soft Drink Giant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Boston -- Activists, students and consumers are urging Coca-Cola to stop draining water from some of the world's poorest communities. More than a thousand people in cities across the US are calling Coke CEO Neville Isdell to voice their concerns. Events on campuses and in downtown centers of major cities are part of a national effort, coordinated by Corporate Accountability International (formerly Infact) urging Coke to stop stealing water. The actions across the US are being held in conjunction with a major protest march in northeastern India, where people are demanding an end to Coke's abuses there. "As people across the US learn about Coke's irresponsible and dangerous actions, they are taking action right away, joining people around the world who are rejecting the corporation's abusive practices. Today's events are part of a growing global campaign pressuring Coke to stop stealing water," says Corporate Accountability International Campaigns Director Patti Lynn. As a result of the US-based beverage giant's water extraction, at least five communities in India face severe water shortages and health problems. In Plachimada, Coke's water extraction has dried up hundreds of hand-pumped wells leaving people without enough water for basic needs. In Mehdiganj, Coke has decreased the level of groundwater by 40 feet, leaving small farmers without enough water to irrigate their crops. "We cannot allow corporations to steal our water and turn it into an unaffordable luxury in India, or anywhere else. This month thousands of people are marching 150 miles in India, from one Coke bottling facility to another, to demand an end to the corporation's abuses. The courage of our Indian allies is inspiring action around the world," says Lynn. The United Nations estimates that two-thirds of the world's population will not have enough water by 2025 unless something is done. According to a former Vice President of the World Bank, "The wars of the 21st century will be fought over water." Coke's water depletion contributes to this problem, and is making water shortage a reality right now for some communities.
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