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.
The destruction of the Khovka Reservoir illustrates how water can be weaponized in modern conflicts, significantly impacting communities and lives.
Effective governance and international cooperation in water management are essential to mitigate rising tensions and prevent water-related violence globally.
Deep dives
Destruction of the Khovka Dam and Its Immediate Consequences
The Khovka Reservoir in southeastern Ukraine was significantly impacted by the destruction of its hydroelectric dam on June 6, 2023, which led to catastrophic flooding. The dam, crucial for controlling nearly 20 billion tons of water from the Dnipro River, was breached by two explosions, resulting in a water surge that submerged 620 square kilometers of land and devastated communities. The flooding claimed numerous lives, destroyed approximately 17,000 homes, and left millions without access to drinking water. This incident illustrates the grim reality of water being used as a weapon in modern warfare, with evidence pointing to Russian forces as the perpetrators behind this deliberate act of destruction to disrupt Ukrainian military efforts and create chaos in the region.
Rising Global Trend of Water-Related Conflicts
The increase in violence related to water resources has grown alarmingly in recent years, as highlighted by the Water Conflict Chronology, which details conflicts dating back to 2500 BCE. Recent statistics revealed a surge in water-related violence, with 2023 witnessing 347 incidents—50% more than the previous year. Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute, noted that attacks on water infrastructure, such as dams, have become a common strategy in conflicts worldwide, extending from Ukraine to countries like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. This trend underscores the pressing need for global awareness and strategic approaches to prevent further violence as competition for water resources intensifies due to climate change and increasing scarcity.
The Urgent Need for Water Management Solutions
The escalating crises around water accessibility demand comprehensive governance and cooperative strategies to mitigate water insecurity. With around 2 billion people lacking access to safe water and sanitation, the risks of conflict proliferate across nations, particularly in regions where water resources are scarce. However, strategies ranging from technological solutions to international treaties have been identified as potential pathways for alleviating these tensions, highlighting the importance of collaboration among governments and organizations. Sustainable management of water resources is increasingly crucial as it has been recognized as a strategic asset, prompting both policymakers and institutions to prioritize its stewardship to ensure global stability and peace in the face of looming water crises.
In June 2023, Russian troops deliberately destroyed the Kakhovka dam in southeast Ukraine, highlighting an alarming trend: Water resources are facing increasing pressure from armed violence worldwide.
In the premiere episode of Hidden Depths, host David Michel unpacks the Kakhovka dam as an instance of water weaponization in conflict—and sets out a framework for understanding the concept and features of water conflict more broadly.
David is joined by Doug Weir, Director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), Iryna Babanina, a Ukraine-based researcher with CEOBS, and Dr. Peter Gleick, Senior Fellow and co-founder of the Pacific Institute.
Join us as we dive into the critical challenges—and opportunities—at the intersection of water, conflict, and cooperation.
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