Parched: Global Water Wars
Water scarcity is a problem due to natural geological and hydrological factors. Humans use commodities for a variety of activities, and it’s hard to find essential everyday human activities that don’t involve water. At the same time, water resources are still scarce, with less than 1% of the world’s water resources available for human consumption. Still, available resources are threatened by factors such as pollution and waste. Seasonal variability is also affecting the situation, as a lack of water supply can mean prolonged drought.
In some countries, its natural value becomes a tool of control for those who wish to remain in power. It becomes a source of money for the mafia. It may seem hard to imagine at first glance, but just look at the displacement of environmental refugees in Greece. They were forced to leave their homes, mainly because of lack of water.
With individuals forced to buy water, it becomes a commodity that is almost as valuable as oil, if not more so. The water crisis in the Middle East is an example of the dangers of global water warfare.
Countries such as Israel have found solutions through recycling and desalination. They are also able to see the results of public awareness campaigns, because public awareness is an important part of motivating individual action.
In Palestine, an attempted solution is to use water storage tanks placed on the roofs of houses and deliver water via alternative routes in the middle of the night when authorities cannot restrict it. Outdated protocols and frequent delays and failures hinder your regular water supply.
The situation regarding the sharing of water supplies between Israel and Palestine continues to be a point of concern and debate.
Even China, one of the most industrialized countries in the world, is not immune to the problems that compromised water supplies can cause.
If you’re interested in (re)learning about one of nature’s most valuable contributions to the world, you’ll find this feature interesting.
Directed by: Doug Shultz
