Man vs. Nature
Declining groundwater volumes around the world, especially in places where groundwater tables have traditionally been high, is a matter of concern. Plus, winters are getting shorter and summers are getting longer, and more of the water that the soil should have absorbed is now drying up and evaporating faster. All projections indicate that we will need more water to drink, generate heat, grow crops, raise animals, and more.
Humans are currently competing with nature for water resources. Plants suffer when they lack water. Trees dry out and become a breeding ground for fungi and other organisms that, if released into the air, can cause respiratory and other ailments.
Biodiversity loss is another major challenge we humans face because once a species disappears, it is gone forever. This is evident from the rate of decline of aquatic life forms you find in an area. Freshwater streams and rivers may seem innocuous, but they are among the most biodiverse habitats on Earth. However, some species will not survive if water flow is reduced.
Another concern is the amount of wastewater seeping into groundwater from rivers and streams. Even with technology that can clean it, water still contains toxic residue from pesticides and drugs, including microplastics. Over the years, cases of industrial waste water polluting drinking water sources and causing various diseases among residents are not uncommon.
Another unintended effect of water drying up is that it affects the soil. The roots don’t get the same amount of water, causing them to die. Dead and dry forests also affect animals – they lose habitat and lead to a decline in biodiversity. The structural integrity of the building is now compromised due to the dry ground. If the soil used to be wet and compact, the foundation would no longer be stable; now it is dry and cracked in many places.
As the planet continues to dry out, it is losing many of the natural beaches and attractions people used to love. As mentioned in the first part, mass migration will be inevitable as people desperately find other places to live. Eventually, earthquakes become more damaging because the ground is drier, more brittle, and more prone to cracking and shaking.
A solution must be found as soon as possible, because the dire answer to the question of what would happen if our water dries up does not guarantee the survival of humanity.
Directed by: Daniel Harrich
