Explorations by Others
Explorations into water's unusual and essential attributes are added periodically to this page in featuring relevant documentaries, exhibitions, performances and public discussions. Links to current and previously featured explorations may be accessed by clicking on the respective contributor's name.
Adaptation to a Changing Water Planet
Planetary changes are facilitated by and experienced as water-related dynamics and events that include everything from ocean-atmospheric interactions to droughts and floods. As extreme hydrological and meteorological events become more frequent, climate goals appear more unrealistic, and the success of prevention or intervention alternatives seem less probable, adaptation remains the most viable option. Human adaptation to changing climate and environmental conditions have historically involved behavioral shifts and, to a lesser extent, epigenetics.
The literature indicates that human behavioral shifts leading to contemporary adaptive actions have been prompted mainly by information, regulation and incentives; however, this may be changing. Recent trends include the utilization of behavioral science to facilitate or encourage adaptation via different approaches to emotional and social appeals, as well as a recognition of the roles played by conditioned responses, inherent biases, and cognitive constraints in adaptive behaviors. Even metaphysical views of reality, such as reductive physicalism and formal idealism, can influence whether or how people and societies adapt to changing environmental conditions as well as their rationale for doing so. Will the traits that assisted ancient humans in dealing with rapid environmental changes in the distant past serve as an asset or a hindrance in dealing with the present changes?
Center for Behavior & the Environment explains their approach.
Functional Art for Corals
Artist Colleen Flanigan explains the challenges facing coral reefs and how sculpture can serve both an aesthetic and an ecological function.
Water, Food & Sustainability
Scientist Arjen Hoekstra discusses the substantial impact of food choices and waste on water resources via the use of water footprint calculations.
Geoengineering & Water
Scientist Jon Egill Kristjansson looks at common geoengineering techniques and how they impact the global water cycle more than ambient temperatures.
A Fundamental Reality?
Water's Emergent Properties
Philosopher Bernardo Kastrup explains why analytic idealism should supplant physicalism as the fundamental basis of our perceived reality.
Water's Emergent Properties
Water's Emergent Properties
Water's Emergent Properties
BOGObiology illustrates how water's many unique properties and behaviors emerge from simple interactions among its interconnected molecules.
Perception & Evolution
Water's Emergent Properties
Water's Emergent Properties
Scientist Donald Hoffman discusses conscious realism, utilizing the evolution of visual perception to challenge the ultimate reality of physicalism.
Water as a Commodity
Treating Water Respectfully
Discovery Channel looks at the new water futures market and its controversy in allowing investors to profit on the scarcity of an essential resource.
Treating Water Respectfully
Treating Water Respectfully
Engineer Kepa Morgan uses his professional expertise and indigenous wisdom to address water treatment and environmental management options.
Water & Climate Change
This U.N. animation explores the close connection between climate change and water, and why the resulting effects are manifested through the water cycle.
Another Kind of Water
Bioengineer Gerald Pollack talks about water's fourth physical phase and its roles in generating bioenergy, excluding pollutants, and cleaning water itself.
Alternative Water Sources
Apex EduTech explains atmospheric water generation, which is an alternative water source along with water recycling, seawater desalination, and others.
Water Quality Patterns
USGS/USDA/EPA data display patterns of freshwater quality across the nation's watersheds and their use in identifying regional trends and concerns.