The Presentation
Thursday's presentation discussed some of the environmental issues occurring in the Global South, and how these issues are intricately related to human rights issues. The focus of the presentation was on The Water Wars occurring throughout such countries as Bolivia, India, and South Africa. Privatization of water is clearly problematic, as it is a basic human need, and unethically to limit individual access. It became obvious in the presentation that the Global South has a closer relationship to nature than the North. The Global South sees them as apart of nature rather than separate. The natural resources in the environment play a specific role in their lives, without these resources their livelihood, and survival could be sacrificed. Other issues occurring in The Global South include the cultivation of land for coffee, lumber, banana's and roses.
Water Wars- Is Bottled Water Really Necessary?
During the film Flow we saw many of the issues associated with the privatization of water and the obsession with 'safe' drinking water (commonly in bottled form). A segment of the film was cut out and it demonstrated the problematic nature of bottling water and how limited the regulations are on bottled water. Penn and Teller have a short segment where they dive into the bottled water industry and administer their own experiment- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfPAjUvvnIc&feature=related. Bottled water has become second nature to many people in the Western world. But, this second nature approach reinforces our taken for granted perceptions on water. The North American relationship with water demonstrates our separateness from nature; water is seen as a commodity that will never disappear. Rather than commodifying water and taking it for granted we need to take action to ensure that future generations have efficient and safe water.
Question: Some institutions are taking action against bottled water companies by banning their sales within the area. Do you think people would be more willing to bring reusable water containers if the sale of bottled water was banned from institutions? What other changes would need to be made to ensure that water bottle consumption is lowered?
Sunday
The Global South- Water Wars
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I think it is absolutely ridiculous to put a price tag on water resources in areas that cannot afford it. Massive inequalities exist in developing countries. Although it may be beneficial for the financial assistance that corporations may bring for creating clean water facilities, it is clear that there are issues of power. With the debt of the Global South amounting to sky-high figures, regulating how much water a person can have based on income is a rude awakening. Can we really do this? Who has the power?
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of bottled water, I would argue that it is based on efficiency and reassurance. With the increasing pollution and contamination of groundwater aquifers and surface water, how can we really be sure that tap water is safe? Seeing it in a clear plastic container is misleading as it's purity is derived from chemical use. Although I do fall victim to bottled water, I feel bad for the implications it will have on the environment. Sometimes tap water just tastes bad...guilty as charged.