Water Rises To A Level Of Concern

Crude oil prices recorded all-time highs in 2007, as did other commodities. As the world looks for alternative energies to replace oil, some people are paying close attention to something else -- water -- and its on the agenda at WEF's annual meeting.

By 2025, one-third of the world's population will be facing severe water scarcity in regions they live in. Coca-Cola CEO Neville Isdell joined United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Nestle Chairman & CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe and others in a discussion called "Time is Running Out for Water."

The soft drink giant, which has been expanding its water business interests, has been also been sponsoring local water projects in developing countries. Isdell spoke to exclusively to CNBC after his panel.

Isdell explained what he calls the "nexus between climate change and water" and the public-private partnership needed to find solutions to the water problem.

You can hear more of CNBC's exclusive interviews with Isdell Friday on CNBC and CNBC.com.

-- Lulu Chiang, CNBC Senior Field Producer