Bob Geldof's joined-up thinking

Bob Geldof is on Today at the moment, suggesting that perhaps something should be done about the problems many in the developing world have getting hold of clean, safe drinking water.

It's a very good point - everyone has the right to potable water, and it should be an easy problem to fix if the world puts its mind to it.

Strange thing, though, is that Bob is calling for this, and yet was happy to consider Coca-Cola as a sponsor for Live8 - indeed, until campaigners found out the two parties were negotiating, there were a series of "ongoing talks" to try and seal a deal. As one activist pointed out at the time:

"Coca-Cola is responsible for creating severe water shortages and pollution in India, and thousands have lost their livelihoods as a result. It is absurd to think that a poverty creating company can sponsor a poverty alleviating endeavor such as Live 8," said Amit Srivastava, director of the India Resource Centre which campaigns with Indian communities to hold Coca-Cola accountable.

We could solve the water problems in the developing world. We can, we must. And we could do it a hell of a lot faster if Geldof started holding corporations to account, instead of offering them sponsorship opportunities.

[Plug: Wateraid works in 17 countries providing water, sanitation and hygiene education to some of the world's poorest people.]

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