Water Ways
"Green" Criminology, Sustainability, and Water Exploitation in Canada by Corporations
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Mary O'handley
"Green" criminology, a fascinating new field with multi-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary perspectives, focuses on criminological issues relating to ecological crimes and harms and how they contribute to harms in society. A key perspective of green criminology is understanding the causes and effects of ecological harm arising from the actions, both direct and indirect, of humans including water exploitation which is a particular issue that needs to be examined further in academia. Arguably, unlike other natural resources (e.g., oil), water is under regulated by the state and over exploited by corporations. This paper considers the harms caused by the corporate exploitation of water in Canada. Through an analysis of water extraction for commercial purposes by the Nestlé corporation in southern Ontario, this paper discusses the nature and scope of the more general environmental and social harms resulting from water exploitation by corporations and describes the implications for sustainable community economic development. It also examines the reluctance of the government to place criminal liability on these actions. The audience gains a deeper understanding of green criminology, and its relationship with sustainability, in addition to hearing a critical analysis regarding accountability as concerns the exploitation of water by corporations.
Water Shortage a Myth: Artificial Aquifers
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Uday Chipalkatty
In an attempt to address the grave situation of water crisis faced by the world today, the author endeavors to find a solution through a simple, economical and time saving method termed as “Jaloday”. Jaloday is a Sanskrit word, which means “rise of water.” Contrary to the popular belief that there is shortage of water in the world, the author strives to prove that it’s only the lack of understanding of water which has resulted in the dire crisis we face today. The rain water seeping through earth over years, create natural aquifers. Jaloday method creates artificial aquifers at a depth of 100 meters below the earth’s surface with the help of bore drills and controlled detonations. The time, money, and skill invested in this method is negligible compared to conventional methods of rain water harvesting. In this method water first reaches 100 meters depth and then start rising upwards. The author has tested his findings on 40 artificial aquifers created in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, all known for their scarcity of water. These aquifers can store up to 500,000 liters or more of rain water every year. The possible volume of an aquifer is based on calculations such as local rain fall, maximum rain fall in one hour, soil porosity, etc. The success rate has been over 90% as per these findings. The research involved in Jaloday method for creating artificial aquifers is a compilation of personal research and data collection by the author.
Safe Water and Sanitation by 2030: A United Nations Commitment
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Samuel E. Moskowitz
Almost twenty-six percent of the world’s inhabitants lack clean drinking water. Population growth and climate change may increase that amount to one half by 2050. Most sources must meet the demands of irrigating crops, raising livestock, supporting fruit orchards, fish, and vegetable farms. Global demand continues to exceed what origins are available. Carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, trapped heat in the atmosphere, resulting in an unstable climate, may produce extended periods of draught. We shall discuss current research designed to protect sources, desalinate ocean or seawater, and utilize recycled water. Caustic household and garden products should not be poured down the drain. Desalination of ocean or seawater can provide a major source of fresh water. Edges of polyamide filter pores, however, are rough and frequently become clogged with organic matter. An upgraded filter, still in the experimental stage, is manufactured by depositing ultrathin layers of polyamide on a supporting matrix to form a smooth surface. Reclaimed water can be used for agriculture and to recharge aquifers or fill reservoirs. Health risk of exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants from drinking reclaimed water is no greater than taking water after chlorine treatment against bacteria and fluorine introduction to combat tooth decay. Toxic waste should not be disposed into sewage systems. Desalination equipped with a cascade of fine filters can provide significant amount of fresh water. Distribution to millions of people would require thoughtful planning and a high level of funding. Reclaimed water can be used for irrigation and possibly human consumption.
