"The worst crisis of all time, in my view, is the critical global shortage of fresh water," says " Larry Edelson. In Money & Markets, the resource expert offers four water sector plays.

"The world's water crisis is now getting worse by the day. And the global financial and credit crisis is merely one reason why. Another is the ongoing modernization of major parts of the world, which is increasing demand for water, while at the same time polluting it.

"Yet another is major droughts around the world, including in our own back yard, where 60% of the U.S. is officially experiencing a drought.

"New technologies and techniques for better water supply management and improved conservation on the demand side could potentially avert a worldwide disaster. And as a long-term investment, water is one of my favorites. For both its tremendous social cause as well as its profit potential.

"In a few years we'll be staring at new highs in the prices of many natural resources," says Larry Edelson, a specialist in resource-related stocks. In Real Wealth, he looks at two exchange-traded funds focused on food and water.

"Mind you, the U.S. and global economies will not get back to the growth levels we've recently seen, not anytime soon.

"But they don't have to for natural resource prices to soar again. The chief reason they will climb again: Massive, worldwide currency devaluations, especially in the U.S. dollar.

"Moreover, natural resources will get a huge boost from the massive infrastructure spending that is now commencing around the world. I expect two key sectors in particular to get a big boost, almost immediately - agriculture and water.

"President Obama's proposed rebuilding plans are great news for steel and other industrial metals makers," says resource sector specialist Larry Edelson, who recommends a pair of beneficiaries: U.S. Steel Corp. (NYSE: X) and Alcoa (NYSE: AA).

The editor of Real Wealth newsletter explains, "Obama has pledged to give the U.S. economy a massive shot in the arm with the biggest public works spending package this nation has seen in more than 50 years.

"Besides spending on road, bridge, school improvements and construction, the plan is likely to include upgrading our deteriorating electrical grid and greater investments in public transportation, among other infrastructure projects. The plan is also expected to create about 2.5 million jobs.

"While steel and other base metal prices have tanked sharply this year on slumping global demand, companies that produce the metals have staged some massive cutbacks in production and many have shuttered large chunks of their operations.

"India is one of the hottest economies on the planet and holds tremendous profit potential," says Larry Edelson in Real Wealth. Here, he looks at a trio of fund poised to "capitalize on India's boom."

"India's economy is growing at a 9% rate, ten times faster than the U.S. and only a couple of percentage points behind China. And the Indian economy is not merely outgrowing the U.S. by leaps and bounds; it's also at the very epicenter of the booming natural resource markets.

"India has the fastest-growing population in the world, expanding at the rate of some 16 million per year. At that rate, India's population will exceed 1.4 billion people and be larger than China's by 2030.

"You must own some gold in this economic environment," emphasizes natural resources authority Larry Edelson who sees the recent setback in gold prices as "an ideal time to buy."

The editor of Real Wealth offers two "core" favorites for those seeking to invest in the sector: streetTRACKS Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD) and Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY). Here is his review.

"Gold represents the epitome of the natural resource boom. It is the world's best barometer of inflation and financial crises. When inflation is on the rise, as it is now all over the world, gold thrives.

"And when there are financial crises, as we now have with the plunging dollar and the meltdown in the mortgage markets in the U.S. - gold gets an extra boost. Savvy investors flock to the safety of the precious metal, pushing its price even higher.

"In addition, there's more to the bull market in gold than just inflation and financial problems in the United States. Three billion new consumers in Asia are buying gold hand over fist! Previously in China, investors were not allowed to own gold. Now they can, and they are buying up gold like crazy.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"For my favorite stocks for 2008, I am looking to food-related companies in South America," says Larry Edelson, editor of Real Wealth.

"Sadia S.A. (NYSE: SDA), a more conservative idea, is a Brazilian food producer with operations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is one of the largest food companies in the region. Half of its sales come from outside of South America, with Asia and the Middle East particularly large buyers.

"For the nine months ended September 30 2007, Sadia's total revenues jumped 25%. Net income soared even more, up 156%. Trading a very conservative 12.57 times earnings, I think Sadia's share price could easily double in 2008.

"Cresud Inc. (NASDAQ: CRESY), a more speculative idea, is an Argentina-based grower of wheat, corn, and soybeans. Cresud also raises beef and dairy cattle. Cresud's revenues for the nine months ended September 30 soared 64%.

"Increased selling & administrative costs held income back though. But the company is now taking measures to streamline costs. I expect Cresud to shine in 2008 as food prices continue to soar. My 2008 target is $27 per share."