Water for people or nature is a false choice.

The Nile and the Sinai Peninsula photographed from space — looking at the world’s water problems from a higher perspective. Image: REUTERS/CSA/Col. Chris Hadfield

We need to think bigger to protect the world’s water

When the first photo of Earth was taken from Apollo 17 in 1972, few could understand the cultural impact it would have. The Blue Marble, this singular sphere floating in deep space, was the perfect symbol for the fragility of our environment and mankind’s own existence. Unfortunately, that existence has only grown more fragile.

Since the 1990s human society has begun crossing planetary boundaries of great significance — environmental lines in the sand, if you will, from climate change to pollution — that represent a new regime in our relationship with the planet on which we depend. Though often understood as “environmental” problems, these changes also pose a threat to development and human well-being, as food and water security grow more uncertain, and storms and other natural disasters grow more intense with climate change.

It is increasingly clear that it is impossible to separate environmental concerns from global advancement and that addressing both will require us to augment our solutions. This is perhaps most evident when it comes to water. Water is crucial for drinking, sanitation, […]

Full article: Water for people or nature is a false choice. We need to think bigger to protect the world’s water

More about nature and water:

We’re in a global water crisis. It’s time to turn to nature

Water, water, not everywhere: Former NASA hydrologist says water security issues worsening

Nature is teaching … are we learning?

UN promotes nature-based solutions to growing water shortages

An Unusual Partnership for People and Nature

Nature Is Speaking – Harrison Ford is The Ocean

Nature Is Speaking – Ian Somerhalder is Coral Reef

We can see how humans have altered Earth’s water resources