Water is a symbol of life, wisdom, fertility, purity, and death. Water
also sustains and nourishes, irrigates our crops, keeps us clean and
healthy, and contributes to our energy needs. But a strain has been put
on our water resources as increased energy demands combine with the
effects of climate change to create a treacherous environment.
Individuals and communities around the globe increasingly face droughts,
floods, water pollution, water scarcity, and even water wars. We tend to
address and solve these concerns through scientific and technological
innovations, but social and cultural analyses and solutions are needed
as well.
In this edited collection, contributors tackle current water issues in
the era of climate change using a wide variety of recent literature and
film. At its core, this collection demonstrates that water is an immense
reservoir of artistic potential and an agent of historical and cultural
exchange. Creating familiar and relatable contexts for water dilemmas,
authors and directors of contemporary literary texts and films present
compelling stories of our relationships to water, water health,
ecosystems, and conservation. They also explore how global water
problems affect local communities around the world and intersect with
social and cultural aspects such as health, citizenship, class, gender,
race, and ethnicity.
This transformative work highlights the cultural significance of
water--the source of life and a powerful symbol in numerous cultures. It
also raises awareness about global water debates and crises.
