Water life, its biological cycle, its impacts, and its challenges are among the many of the topics covered in this documentary. It discusses the atom H2O, how climate change affects water, and the way this valuable resource is running out. In order to provide scholars with fresh perspectives, the documentary additionally investigates contemporary technology that integrates information from earlier cultures. The primary concern is whether there is enough water on Earth to support life or if it is drying out. To learn more about how snow cover changes over time, a team directed by glaciologist Daniel Farinotti studied the Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland for a full year.

Percent of drinking water, fresh water and salt water on Earth _©DW Documentary

A vital supply of water for millions of people, the glacier provides the Danube, Rhine, Po, and Rhone, among the largest river systems in central Europe. Regretfully, these glaciers are shedding 2% of their mass per year and have lost 10% in the last five years. The documentary addresses the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and the risks that glaciers face caused by climate change. Friederike Otto, a climatologist, observes the fact that when temperatures rise, more water dissipates leading to more intense rainfall. All life’s access to drinking water is seriously threatened by the imbalance between precipitation and evaporation, particularly in light of the shortage of freshwater.

The documentary highlights how global warming could cause the Alps glaciers to collapse by 2100, with barely a 40% chance of survival if temperatures rise by 1.7 degrees Celsius. There will be serious consequences as while the melting ice may instantly raise the amount of water accessible, the long-term loss of glacier ice will ultimately end in a decline in the quantity of water available. The documentary emphasizes how crucial it is to protect the natural environment and how society can help solve these issues. It emphasizes the value of protecting the planet and the adverse effects of human development in these domains, noting how our actions can either help or hinder attempts to deal with these kinds of problems.

By presenting the alarming state of water shortages and the negative consequences of climate change on the environment, this film encourages viewers to consider the need for conservation and eco-friendly practices in safeguarding our water supplies. Scientists and researchers in this discipline are actively discovering numerous technocratic approaches to environmental issues. As we ask ourselves as individuals, “Why can’t we leave Mother Earth as she is, rather than altering her every time?” Every living being that is an element of society might be impacted by the questions that develop.

Rhone is one of the largest rivers that has transformed into veritable water transport and other means.

Avignon on the Ile de La Barthelasse, is one of the largest river islands in Europe. The forest serves as a floodplain forest and refuge for animals and plants which also allows water to spread beyond the Rhone. A river that has room to spread out offers many advantages. Giving a river space to overflow replenishes and cleans the groundwater naturally. However, man-made channels and disruptions to river deltas can have negative effects, such as coastal flooding and environmental damage. The Kamah region, for example, faces these challenges due to locks, irrigation canals, and rising sea levels. This poses a threat to coastal ecosystems and residential areas. Access to safe, reliable drinking water is crucial for economic success. According to the German average, 86% of the water used for drinking in Lower Saxony comes from groundwater. The state has 750 kilometers of coastline on the North Sea and faces the issue of saltwater intrusion. To detect this, a team from the State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology in Hanover uses high-tech equipment, including a large antenna, to map the distribution of electrical conductivity underground. This makes it easier to determine the freshwater-saltwater boundary. The study provided extensive information on the distribution of freshwater and salt in the groundwater closest to the coast. It also uncovered unexpected insights, such as floating layers of saltwater and freshwater outlets under mud flats. The expedition aims to find freshwater deposits that have never been discovered before. Alongside experts and instruments to investigate the seabed, the study vessel “Sonne” set off for the Mediterranean in the summer of 2020. They are examining groundwater in the seabed using electromagnetic measurement techniques and other studies, but they are having difficulties because of Malta’s challenging sea floor. The use of electromagnetic measurement in the assessment of freshwater resources offshore is covered in the paper, with special attention to the Malta instance. It draws attention to the difficulties Malta faces in supplying its freshwater demands and the process of turning saltwater into drinking water using reverse osmosis technology. It also discusses the environmental issues behind desalination, including energy use and brine disposal. Finally, it addresses the potential threat of oil spills to the water supply and the contingency plans in place to address such risks. The importance of desalinating sea water for Malta’s water supply and the need for more energy-efficient methods. It also highlights historical water management techniques in Malta, such as ancient cisterns and medieval water tunnels tapping into natural reservoirs. The text emphasizes the importance of exploring ancient water systems as potential solutions for Malta’s current water supply challenges, especially in the context of climate change. The historical use and modern reactivation of an ancient Incan water management system called “amunas” in the mountains above Lima, Peru. The amunas are narrow rock channels designed to divert water from high-altitude regions into the ground, where it slowly seeps and is stored for long periods, providing a reliable water supply during the dry season.

©YouTube

In light of climate change and human activity, the documentary presents a somber but illuminating picture of the serious problems pertaining to water resources. It emphasizes how urgent it is to protect this essential resource, from the worrying retreat of glaciers to the creative resuscitation of antiquated water management techniques. It urges cooperation to protect water for future generations by highlighting both the risks and remedies, which range from cutting-edge technologies to time-honored methods. The movie is a powerful reminder that water is not only essential to life but also a shared duty, necessitating sustainable practices and a dedication to preserving the delicate ecosystems of our world.

Author

She is an architect from Mathura with a strong interest in heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, urban regeneration, and research. She graduated from Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra. She has previously worked as a volunteer in different regions of India. She has a keen interest in social engagement activities, as well as research and writing skills. As an architect, she has realized that her objective extends beyond creating new designs to include conserving heritage and contributing to the well-being of future generations.