A competing theory is that the proximate cause of the next major world conflict will be water -- or more specifically, the scarcity thereof. Perhaps it will be a combination of those causes, lack of both energy and water.
"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:
That is indeed an interesting theory, and one which worries me on the basis of global warming possibly factoring into the onset of more natural disasters, such as floods on the scale of those Pakistan is currently experiencing. Here, a clear lack of clean and drinkable water becomes a paramount issue.
Interestingly, having a mother with ties to India leaves me less concerned about water being the cause of the next great world war. I mean in villages and slums you get to see not only some of the most deplorable conditions humankind has to live in, but simultaneously some of the most remarkable human ingenuity in regards to dealing with lack of clean water. I mean the sources that some people find for clean water - aside from stealing from shop owners - are remarkable: using makeshift pumps to get water from the ground, finding water reservoirs natural to plants, etc.
Add that to the fact that - as sad as it is to say this - those who cannot obtain the cleanest of drinking water seem to build up some form of resistance to some of the germs and bacteria commonly found in water... and I am left a bit skeptical at the idea that a water shortage could spark the next great war.
Admittedly though, I have begun to rethink my position in light of research indicating that with the onset of global warming, more natural disasters will ensue. In addition, I will readily admit that I have given little time to perusing scholarly research on the shortage of clean and drinkable water. In fact, any time I have spent reading through such works has been in regards to drawing out material for my own research about the consequences of making water a human right. I'd welcome any articles you may be able to link to that further explore the scarcity of water.
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