Hidden Depths Introduction: Water Conflict and Cooperation
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Mar 10, 2025 Peter Gleick, Senior Fellow and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, discusses the dual role of water as both a weapon and a means for cooperation. He highlights how recent events, like the Khovka Reservoir dam explosion in Ukraine, reveal water's strategic use in warfare. With an alarming rise in water-related conflicts globally, Gleick emphasizes the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to mitigate these tensions. He also points to the environmental and humanitarian crises stemming from water scarcity and the necessity for cooperative governance to ensure future water security.
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Kakhovka Dam Destruction
- The Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine was destroyed in June 2023, causing widespread devastation.
- This act of water weaponization led to loss of life, displacement, and environmental damage.
Water Conflict Chronology
- The Pacific Institute's Water Conflict Chronology documents water-related conflicts dating back to 2500 BCE.
- Data reveals a significant increase in water-related violence in the 21st century.
Kakhovka Dam as a Weapon
- Russian forces seized the Kakhovka Dam early in the Ukraine invasion, using it to control water supplies and flood areas.
- This deliberate destruction caused significant economic and environmental damage, impacting thousands of homes.