We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Water security in the polycrisis: between negative and positive tipping points
Summary
This review examines how water security is threatened by multiple converging crises in the Anthropocene, including climate change, conflict, and pollution including microplastics. The study suggests that investments in institutional mechanisms, technical innovations, and environmental cooperation are needed to transition from negative to positive tipping points in water management.
Water security is facing multiple stressors in the emerging polycrisis of the Anthropocene, with a great acceleration challenging planetary boundaries and human livelihoods. In a framework of interactions the hydrological cycle is connected to the Earth’s ecological and social systems, becoming a potential crisis multiplier through pathways in the water-food-energy nexus and the water-climate-conflict nexus. Water security balances protection of natural water resources and societal efforts to meet human needs, identify nexus tradeoffs and synergies, and facilitate transitions from negative to positive tipping points. Beyond simple narratives of water wars, various conflict types are considered, from water scarcity and abundance as conflict drivers to water as a weapon, target and casualty of conflict. To contain water-related tensions and strengthen cooperation in water distribution and control, investments and institutional mechanisms preserve the natural resource base, support technical and social innovations for efficient, sufficient, resilient, fair, peaceful and sustainable water use, and collaborate on integrated water sharing and trust building in environmental cooperation, conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Assessments and solutions are illustrated for local water systems and regional hot spots in Africa, Middle East, South, East and Central Asia.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Task of Envisioning Security for the Anthropocene
Not directly relevant to microplastics — this is a political science and philosophy essay arguing for a broader, holistic concept of security in the Anthropocene that encompasses climate change, ecosystem degradation, and pandemics.
Addressing water resource management challenges in the context of climate change and human influence
This study identifies and documents the key challenges facing water resource management due to the combined pressures of climate change and human activity. Researchers found that droughts, floods, sea-level rise, and pollution are threatening both water quality and public health on a global scale. The study emphasizes that more sustainable approaches to water governance and infrastructure are urgently needed to address the growing gap between water supply and demand.
Multi-Interacting Natural and Anthropogenic Stressors on Freshwater Ecosystems: Their Current Status and Future Prospects for 21st Century
This review examines how multiple environmental stressors including pollution, climate change, invasive species, and nanoparticles are simultaneously degrading freshwater ecosystems worldwide. The combined effects of these stressors, including microplastic contamination, threaten both the ecological health of freshwater systems and the clean water supplies that human civilization depends on.
Transforming Pollution into Purity: Ensuring Water Quality for Human Health and Environmental Sustainability
This review examines global threats to water quality from contaminants including microplastics, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, and their consequences for human health and ecosystems. The authors advocate for a comprehensive strategy combining source protection, advanced treatment technologies like constructed wetlands and advanced oxidation, and robust governance to ensure safe water access.
Analysis of Pros and Cons in Using the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Approach to Assess Resource Security: A Review
This review analyzes the strengths and limitations of using the water-energy-food nexus approach to assess resource security. The study surveys existing research worldwide and identifies gaps in how interconnected resource systems are evaluated, with implications for understanding how environmental pollutants like microplastics affect multiple resource domains simultaneously.