- Published: September 18, 2022
- Updated: September 18, 2022
- University / College: New York University (NYU)
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 16
Essay, Environmental studies Topic: Blue Gold: World Water Wars
Humanity has taken the task for granted that it is its birthright to destroy nature. The impact of the materialistic civilization is so much and there is no limit for the aggrandizement of wealth by human beings. Mind-boggling industrialization has destroyed the sources of fresh water by polluting the lakes, rivers and oceans. With the rapid growth of population the demand for water has also increased and the sources good water is under pressure.
Every segment demands water. Agriculture, industry, housing, demand by the corporate giants is on the increase. Water has turned out to be the economic and political weapon and hard bargaining is done the issue by the countries involved. Wall Street investors are alive to the issue of opportunities available at the water front. Investors are interested in desalination projects and bulk water export schemes. World water wars are a reality as the military has stepped in to control water as such a new geopolitical map power alignments are in the offing.
“ Blue Gold: World Water Wars” is a documentary that highlights environmental issues, and it articulates the reasons why we are fast losing our fresh water supplies. The politics of water supply is worsening the situation, and if the present trends continue, water is going to become an extremely scarce commodity. The documentary informs us about the grim picture that awaits humanity. Wet are natural filters and we are systematically destroying them. We are terrified by the bold assertion that humankind is busy creating desert out of fertile lands and fresh water reaches the ocean resulting in soil erosion in the process. Destruction of forests is the next unfortunate development that takes place.
As revealed by Dr. Michel Kravcik in the documentary we have just 50 years at our disposal to challenge the total collapse of Planet Earth’s water system. Some analysis about the solutions is also made in the documentary. It articulates that the conservation of water needs to be given top priority. World-wide water wars are a distinct possibility unless something tangible is done in this regard. The film provides some hope and tenders solutions for avoiding the same. Sam Bozzo presents a frightening scenario, and his articulation is not motivated and he has no inclination to play the role in politics. His intention is to warn the humanity no take the issue in all its seriousness and act before it is too late. Just like the oil issue, water problem has already assumed global ramifications. It may cause more problems than the oil issue in international conflicts. As such Sam’s presentation becomes haunting. Malcolm McDowell narrates the 90-minute documentary. Many examples have been cited as to know the water turns toxic though human actions that threaten the ecosystem. Privatization has contributed to the water mess and water is considered as a profitable enterprise and shares the ills that go with profiteering. The documentary does not just inform; it shows proof for its contentions. The images of violent riots in Bolivia inform what is in store for the humankind in future. Uruguay was compelled to reverse its decision on privatization after the astronomical rise in water prices and the pollution grew much. Even water supply to the schools became the serious commercial issue.
The inspiration for the documentary came from the book “ Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World’s Water” by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke. The documentary reveals many things about water an individual should know that cannot be ignored further if we all are interested in saving humanity. The documentary informs how the water cycle works, and how technology is misused to destroys the sources of water.
http://www. youtube. com/watch? v= B1a3tjqQiBI