The Last Resources
Water is now becoming a scarce resource. Throughout human history, dating back to prehistoric times, no one would have imagined that water would disappear and dry up. It’s the kind of resource that no one really cares about. People take it for granted; big rivers and our big oceans always make it feel like there’s a lot of water on this planet. While technically true, the percentage of human consumption and safe consumption is much lower than we think.
With continued water scarcity, it is inevitable that people will compete for ownership of areas that still have access to water. This happened in the past, when Pakistan and India competed for water rights in the Indus River system, and in 1960 the World Bank had to negotiate a treaty to ensure equitable use of resources between the two countries. However, as water levels drop around the world, experts worry about how this will affect geopolitical relations.
This movie outlines the different industries and sectors that use the most water. For example, large tech companies such as Microsoft use vast amounts of water to make computer components and cool servers. Many of the world’s wealthiest people are also invested in water, either by buying land where they can find water or by investing in other companies that already own the rights.
Then, of course, gourmet food uses a lot of water, Coca-Cola being an example. They bottle and sell water that is already in short supply, so even people who live in the area have to pay for water; you technically get it for free.
The agricultural sector is another major water user, which is essential for growing crops and raising livestock. Animal husbandry in particular requires large amounts of water. In the prairie ranches of western Canada, a severe drought has forced many farmers to abandon their livestock. In India, suicide rates among farmers are on the rise. In the very fertile farmlands of Punjab, they cannot grow crops like they used to because of lack of water. India is the country with the highest groundwater loss in the world.
Conversations now include: who owns the earth? Who owns the land? The idea of owning water and using it may seem like a very foreign concept, unfortunately, it will soon become a reality. Access to water is becoming increasingly difficult, and demand will continue to grow.
How should water be distributed among people, technology, farmers, and even the federal government? People will want more water for themselves, which will lead to wars and fights. While adapting to changes to consume less can be difficult for many, learning is inevitable.
Directed by: Daniel Harrich
