Water Philosophy

6 Pages 1610 Words

The Fluid of Life, The Fluid of Death”.

I believe the number one environmental problem is the increase in the human population, and sustainability and conservation should be our environmental objectives. Water is one of the most common substances in the universe, and our planet is blessed with a fairly large amount of it. As far as having enough on the earth, water is not a problem; the problem lies with having it in the right place at the right time in the right form. This subject I believe to be of the utmost importance and consequently have picked it and the various aspects regarding it to be covered in my personal philosophy paper. If indeed this paper were to be as it is entitled, a personal philosophy pertaining to the environment, then this in my opinion would be the best topic to describe the human interaction with nature.
Although there is more then enough water for all of mankind to use, unfortunately 97 percent of the earth’s water is salt water and much of the rest is locked up in ice. Actually out of a hundred percent, if you took out the ninety seven percent for the oceans, then took another two percent for the glacial ice we have stored, less then one percent of that water is suitable for our use. Obtaining an adequate supply of freshwater has therefore been the focus of man’s invention throughout history. Water has been the prize (and

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sometimes the weapon) in conflicts around the world. Whether it is used for cultivation, recreation, or providing a town with life, water is the blood of the earth.
Even in the upcoming century, new inventions in trying to find, transport, and conserve fresh water may not be able to support our increasing demand, especially in the developing countries. Problems that different cultures have between need and supply could instigate violence, and stop some of the poorer and underdeveloped countries from ever getting back on track in o...