Prompt Cast
The Threat of Water Wars and the Potential Solutions to the Global Water Crisis
TLDR The conflict in Sudan over access to drinking water highlights the potential for wars to be fought over water scarcity, a problem that is becoming increasingly common worldwide. Solutions such as desalination plants and bioengineered crops are being explored to address the water shortage and prevent future conflicts.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
In 2006, the Sudanese government established a peace accord with one rebel faction, the Sudanese liberation movement, in Sudan.
02:14
The conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the deaths of 200,000 people, was largely started over access to drinking water, a problem that is becoming increasingly common around the world.
04:25
If we start to run out of water, there could potentially be wars fought over water, as seen in the conflict in Darfur, which was the first war fought over water in 4,500 years.
06:23
When we start to run out of water, the first thing that will happen is a shortage of crops, leading to a lack of food, which will then cause farmers to move to cities, resulting in a population boom that strains infrastructure and further depletes the water supply.
08:32
Desalination plants are currently being used to provide fresh water from salt water, but the technology is expensive, and bioengineered crops that require less water or can survive artificial irrigation are being explored as potential solutions to the water shortage.
10:40
The switch from hunting and gathering to agriculture gives hope that technology will continue to advance and prevent us from reaching the planet's carrying capacity, but the alternative is scary and thirsty.
12:50
The podcast ends with a discussion about the benefits of online programs offered by Arizona State University.
Categories:
Society & Culture
