Parched: Global Water Wars (2017)

Parched: Global Water Wars, a 2017 documentary directed by Sofia Pineda Ochoa, delves into the critical issue of water scarcity on a global scale. Through real-world case studies, the film explores conflicts over water resources within countries and across borders. It paints a vivid picture of the escalating crisis surrounding water availability and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Here’s a glimpse into the compelling narrative of Parched: Global Water Wars:

1. Water as a Coveted Resource: Water lies at the heart of economic, environmental, and geopolitical issues. In a world grappling with demographic growth and climate change, water scarcity has become a catalyst for conflicts. Regions in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia face acute water stress, leading to violence and instability.
2. India’s Water Mafia: The film takes us to India, where a powerful water mafia steals water from government and private reserves. These criminals sell it at exorbitant prices to those who can afford it. The lack of access to water becomes a financial source for organized crime, perpetuating inequality.
3. Water as a Weapon: In Syria and Iraq, the terrorist group ISIS weaponized water supply. They captured dams, controlling water distribution to people and irrigated areas. The film exposes how water scarcity exacerbates existing tensions and fuels violence.
4. Israel and Palestine: The enduring tensions between Israel and Palestine are reflected in their struggle for water. Israel controls and restricts water supply to Palestine in an inequitable manner. Rainwater collection and storage tanks dot Palestinian rooftops, a desperate attempt to secure minimal access to water.
5. China’s Water Ambitions: On a continental scale, China progressively appropriates water resources. The country builds dams to capture rivers that irrigate South and Southeast Asia. These projects cause tension with neighboring countries, especially the diversion of the Brahmaputra—a source of discord between India and China.
6. Future Conflicts: The documentary warns that unless specific policy responses or new technologies are introduced, water scarcity will fuel conflicts in the coming decades. The global war for water has already begun, and its implications for national and global security are profound.
7. American Perspective: The geopolitical analysis presented in this documentary represents an American view of local and global stability. While some skeptics question the likelihood of water-related conflicts in the future, the film serves as a wake-up call to recognize water’s pivotal role in our shared destiny.

In this urgent plea, Parched: Global Water Wars invites us to rethink our relationship with water, advocate for equitable access, and safeguard this precious resource for generations to come.