In the Western world we tend to take water completely for granted; but can and should we?
By 2050 there will be in the region of nine billion of us and water will become an increasingly scarce resource.
We're already seeing the impacts of climate change, through prolonged droughts and changing of rainfall patterns, having serious implications for food production and yield productivity, causing huge stress on human populations and human conflict over resource usage is also on the rise. It has been argued for example that the Syrian war was largely sparked by an intensive four year drought, something the media has shied away from focusing on. Many speculate that many future conflicts will arise over the right to water in the same way that eg. access to oil is hotly contested today.
To mark World Water Day on Sunday 22nd of March, the international water and sanitation charity WaterAid has asked the public to reflect on what water means to them through the film competition sH2Orts. My favourite amongst the many fantastic entries, is one by filmmaker Andrew Davies of Campaign Film which features seven year old Luca reflecting on what water means to him.
Luca's natural curiosity resonates because, in this increasingly complex world in which natural processes and resources are under pressure, it is essential children's curiosity surrounding their environment is met with openness and honesty in order to give them a chance to influence a world in which a sustainable approach is taken.
Whatever you do this Sunday, do take a minute to watch these videos and perhaps you too can spend a little time thinking about what water means to you?