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CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGES CORPORATIONS THAT THREATEN WATER RESOURCES With Nationwide Actions, Activist Group Pressures Coke to Stop Draining Water From Some of World's Poorest Communities FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACTS: Boston -- Corporate Accountability International, formerly known as Infact, has launched a new initiative challenging corporations that are threatening people's access to water. In coordination with allies in India, Corporate Accountability International is pressuring Coca-Cola to stop draining water from some of the world's poorest communities. This month, as thousands support a 150-mile march in northeastern India from one Coke bottling facility to another, people across the US are taking action to demand an end to Coke's abuses in India. "We cannot allow corporations to steal our water and turn it into an unaffordable luxury in India -- or anywhere else. The courage of our Indian allies is inspiring action around the world. This month, in major cities across the US, people are rejecting Coke's abusive practices," say Corporate Accountability International's Campaigns Director Patti Lynn. As a result of Coke's water extraction, at least five communities across India face severe water shortages and health problems. In Plachimada, in southern India, Coke's water extraction has dried up hundreds of hand-pumped wells, leaving people without enough water for basic needs. In Mehdiganj, in northeastern India, Coke has decreased the level of groundwater by 40 feet, leaving small farmers without enough water to irrigate their crops. Coke's practices are part of a much larger problem of corporations contributing to a global water shortage. The United Nations estimates that two-thirds of the world's population will not have enough water by 2025 if current trends are not reversed. 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. With global brand recognition, Coke wields tremendous economic and political clout. In the US alone, Coke reportedly spent $1.7 million on federal lobbying in 2003, and Coke's PACs poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into the 2004 election. Coke is a prime example of a corporation that does not abide by Corporate Accountability International's Standards of Political Conduct for Corporations. Across the US, people are demanding that Coke stop stealing water, starting in India by never reopening its Plachimada plant, closing its plant in Mehdiganj, and paying for the damage it has done to affected communities. # # # Corporate Accountability International, formerly Infact, is a membership organization that protects people by waging and winning campaigns challenging irresponsible and dangerous corporate actions around the world. Through bold campaigns and a commitment to win, Corporate Accountability International and its members have scored major victories that protect people and save lives. For over 25 years, we've forced corporations -- like Nestlé, General Electric and Philip Morris/Altria -- to stop abusive actions. For more information visit www.stopcorporateabuse.org.
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