Why aren’t we talking about this? Wars over Water.

Those of you who follow this blog know that for years I have been an active advocate and lobbyist for kids, particularly for education and special needs.

But recently I became aware of an issue that I cannot believe is not at the top of everyone’s radar. (author’s note: this was originally published in 2015 but was recently updated)

A 2012 report from the director of National Intelligence warned that within 10 years “many countries important to the United States will experience water problems … that will risk instability and state failure…” and cited the possible “use of water as a weapon or to further terrorist objectives.”

That’s right, a 10 year warning came out 3 years ago. The clock is ticking.

Gun rights, taxes, pro-choice or anti-choice, gay marriage. It all means nothing if we don’t exist. And without water, none of us will exist. This is something that not only affects all Pennsylvanians, but everyone worldwide.

I saw this piece on 60 Minutes the other day, and quite honestly, the story is panic-inducing. I cannot believe that more people are not talking about this. Do I think that the media has overblown this story? Well, no. I don’t. Sure, the California droughts make news, but how California (and other regions of the world) are ruining the planet and depleting our water, that rarely makes news.

Ebola anyone? Sure, that makes news when we have 3 cases among over 300 million people. But this one issue that affects everyone on the planet? Nothing. Just one segment on 60 Minutes.

I urge you to watch the 13-minute segment and see for yourself. I also urge you to use your voice to try to get something done about this. Our kids, our grandkids-do we really want them warring over water? Because that is where we are headed. Water is the new oil and it is expected that there will be wars over it. A 2012 report from the director of National Intelligence warned that within 10 years “many countries important to the United States will experience water problems … that will risk instability and state failure…” and cited the possible “use of water as a weapon or to further terrorist objectives.”

Three years ago, it was reported this would be a problem in 10 years. The clock is ticking. It’s already a problem. Syria? At the root of the problem-no water. Forcing rural citizens to move to the cities.

Please watch this, I know it’s 13 minutes long, but I can’t even stress how important this is.

Wars Over Water

You can see the transcript and video http://www.cbsnews.com/news/depleting-the-water/ or you can google “60 minutes water depletion” and it will come up. It’s a segment with Leslie Stahl and it’s quite alarming. It really needs to be a priority.

I know that there will be some by-products, such as some farmers being forced to go out of business. I’m sorry for that, but that’s life. None of us is guaranteed a career for life, no matter what we chose or how long we’ve been doing it. Especially if something like growing almonds is at the expense of the rest of the planet.

Water is essential to life. Grapes and almonds and pomegranates are not. Please act. Please contact your legislators and let them know that this is important to you.

Because without water, none of us has a future.

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