[hippo8]

Fixing the first problem and finding alternatives I think is far more easier to fix than the second. We have had several thousand years to figure-out a solution to the problem of rulers politicians and yet, after all this time, here we are still displeased with those in power.

I think the following http://raincatcher.org/what-we-do/ is a really interesting solution to the fresh water problem.

Here's a video of what they do. https://vimeo.com/29880712 skip to 1.38 if you are impatient.