Written by Lesedi Chocho

The aim of securing clean water and sanitation for all has long moved from being a future global goal, but rather something we can and must achieve now. Over the course of two centuries, the earth has played host to numerous social, environmental and economic developments, all affecting how we interact with water. Brave Blue World advocates for a sustainability centred approach when it comes to clean and safe water for all.

In preparation for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on 17 June, join us in acknowledging the role we play in ensuring a sustainable future, not only for ourselves but for those who are still yet to come.

Are you ready to be the solution?

June’s Binge - Brave Blue World: Racing to Solve Our Water Crisis

“The water crisis isn’t imminent, It isn’t looming. It's here, now…”

Directed by Tim Neeves, Brave Blue World is an expository documentary that highlights the reality of the global water crisis caused by climate change and the impact of human behaviour. This has led to a shortage of safe drinking water, a problem faced by both developed and developing communities. Narrated by Liam Neeson, the film introduces us to successful innovativeness through a range of science, technology and nature influenced water purification systems developed across the globe.

The sustainability factor

Overall: 4/5

Climate change caused by industrial revolutions, globalisation, migration and our personal interactions with water in our everyday lives has had an immense effect on the sustainability of water as a natural resource now and for future generations to come. The film stresses the reality of water scarcity, explaining that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in water-stressed regions.

The main focus of the documentary is to highlight the various innovative systems created to purify local sanitation systems, implement efficient water reuse, reimagine the life chain of water at industrial plants, and provide economic assistance for community innovators. Through this, the film emphasises the role local community members, activists and leaders play in shaping what happens next. It shows that it is what we do now that matters; how hard we push or speak out that will help us efficiently deal with an issue that can be solved presently, with resources and technologies that are already existing.

The Viatu review

Themes:

Brave Blue World highlights the power of innovation and successful implementation. Throughout the documentary, the participants share how innovative systems have already been developed, but it is now up to the global community and authorities in power to successfully implement these systems. The problem here lies in the effectiveness of bureaucracy, therefore community members have to take a stand on their fundamental right to access clean and safe water, and demand swift implementation by their governments.

Production:

The documentary travels across five continents, uncovering the devastation faced across the globe with powerful scenes panning across the arid plains of North America, polluted rivers in India, and the great trek children are expected to embark on when collecting water in Africa. All the while, they engage with a variety of water experts, community innovators, CEOs of water purification companies, sustainability experts as well as high-profile advocates Jaden Smith and Matt Damon, who have made it their goal to not only provide safe clean water to their surrounding communities with the use of technology and innovation, but continue advocating for the development of water reuse, the digitization of water, energy generation and nutrient recovery.

What makes it different: 

This documentary is not a cry for help or an expose about what we got wrong, but rather it demonstrates the first step in actually doing something about the issue. It calls for the global community to acknowledge that we are in a crisis, but we do have the facilities, expertise and know-how to do something about it. Brave Blue World is thus all about taking initiative and standing firm in demanding change for all.

June’s Netflix & Change is a reminder that we interact with water every day and its scarcity will affect us significantly. As an individual and member of a larger global community, you can claim your role in the cycle of change by embracing the power of your voice. Learn more about sustainability and becoming a sustainable traveller by following Viatu.