Freshwater Withdrawals

A chemical miracle has turned into a global menace The development of PFAS began in the 1940s when manufacturers started producing these chemicals for their unique properties of water, oil, and stain resistance12. Initially celebrated for their versatility in non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and countless industrial applications, PFAS were considered technological marvels that enhanced modern life13. The strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make these chemicals useful also make them virtually indestructible in natural environments12. ...

The Evolving Story of Freshwater Thinking The recognition of freshwater as a finite and vulnerable resource with planetary boundaries has evolved significantly over recent decades. Historically, water was primarily viewed through a resource extraction lens, with little consideration for sustainability limits or equitable access. The emergence of environmental consciousness in the 1960s and 1970s began shifting this perspective, highlighting connections between water quality, ecosystem health, and human wellbeing. ...