The Big Thirst

Author and journalist Charles Fishman published The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water in 2011. This nonfiction book examines the history and origins of water, the rising concern of water scarcity, and our changed relationship with the substance. Fishman asserts that people generally take water for granted, even though it is crucial to the environment and to society. The book examines how we can repair this dismissive attitude, which Fishman contends is key to ensuring water is both potable and fairly distributed in the future.

Summary

For much of history, water was potentially destructive, due to waterborne illnesses. Further, people had to fetch water. In the 20th century, in industrial societies, water has become cheap, abundant, and safe. People now take it for granted, making it figuratively invisible. However, people will pay for marketing, as in bottled water. Water conflicts remain relatively uncommon, due to the abundance of water.

Fishman predicts a forthcoming water scarcity, one which he claims is already underway. This scarcity will produce problems, making people aware of water again.

Despite the prevalence of water, most people know surprising little about it. Scientists have found that water formed in space, before the formation of Earth.