Photo Essay: Hydroclimacentrism - The Exacerbation of Water Related Issues by Climate Change
Climate change has and continues to have a significant impact upon water-related issues. It does not only manifest itself in physical consequence, but is also a clear socioeconomic concern. It is not merely a causal factor for aqua-hazards such as flooding, but is also quintessential to issues of water scarcity and pollution, both of which manifest in immediate health concerns.
We begin with a well understood consequence of climate change - water over-abundance. This first image depicts the severe consequences of flooding. The physical landscape has undeniably been destroyed. Humanity does its best to prevail through the tragedy of losing their homes. Underneath the surface of this water, unseen, are the plant worlds, insect worlds and animal worlds facing the same mass destruction.
In this case, we observe aqua-poverty. Rising global temperatures and the resulting disruption of patterns of precipitation result in ‘over-moisturisation’ and heavy rain. However, in 2022 alone, two billion members of the human world went without access to water which was safe for consumption. In reality, enviro-manipulation via global warming results in the intensification of dry spells as much as it does wet spells. The plant and animal worlds, unable to sustain themselves, are completely absent from this image.
In Australia, we concern ourselves with water salinity, algae and urban catchments. In India, the aforementioned water scarcity results in dependence upon the highly polluted Ganges River, at once a sacred geographical location, and also a source of exposure to violent disease. Population density, underdevelopment and dependence upon fresh water means this site is particularly vulnerable to aqua-climatic variation. The plant, animal and human worlds co-exist in this environment, contributing to the disease of one another through close proximity.
