Depending on where you live in Latin America, the last few years could be considered proof that the region is becoming a vast desert or washing away in a torrent. Chile endured a major drought in 1996, only to get flooded badly the next year. Then it plunged into another dry season the year after. Peru nearly turned into a mud pit thanks to endless rains, while Central Americans hit by Hurricane Mitch probably thought they’d never see dry soil again. And now, residents of southern Mexico must feel the same way. Such fluctuations often obscure an important question: Does Latin America have enough water to develop its economies? Experts say it does, provided the resource is managed effectively. But that raises another question: Who... [Log in to read more]