Parched

Parched is a compelling documentary series from the National Geographic Channel that first aired in 2017. The series is a profound exploration into the world of water, scarcity, and the associated politics. Parched meticulously uncovers what access, or lack of access, to this life-sustaining resource reveals about power structures, inequalities, global warming, environmental sustainability, along with its impact on conflict, geopolitics, economic inequality, and human rights around the world.

In line with the National Geographic's commitment to educate, explore, and expose issues of global significance, Parched offers viewers an insightful journey into the critical issues surrounding the politics and science of water. The series merges compelling storytelling, investigative journalism, and intriguing visuals to make sense of the complex dynamics related to water.

Parched is divided into three segments, which focus on a different aspect of water-related issues. These include money, power, and the increasingly real constraints of science. The series covers how public utilities and private interests often clash in their bid to control water resources. It also dives into the nature of global water privatization, mismanagement, corruption, cross-border conflicts, and the race to control the blue gold. It also delves into the investigative dramas surrounding water.

The 'money' segment of Parched shines a light on the economics that govern water, touching upon the issue of its privatization. It displays how water, which is essentially a basic human right, has become a billion-dollar industry, pointing out the morality and fairness behind this commercialization. It further expands on how water scarcities are tipped in favor of the rich, perpetuating social inequalities.

The 'power' aspect of the series aptly showcases how the control of water resources is intrinsically linked to the acquisition and execution of political power. This segment spotlights landmark conflicts and feats related to water including, but not limited to, international confrontations over the control of rivers and how the dire need for water access has sparked civil unrest and political instability worldwide.

While the 'science' portion of the series presents the environmental facet of global water battles, this part of the series offers viewers an understanding of the current scientific strides and advancements to secure future water supplies. The series narrates how misuse and overuse of water have led to environmental degradation and heightening of climate change. Simultaneously, it highlights the role of innovative research, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices that promise to combat water scarcity issues.

Through its vivid and dramatic storytelling, Parched invites viewers to grapple with the existence of water mafia in some regions, corruption in water regulatory bodies, and even instances of villages and communities that have survived without water for years. The documentary not only focuses on the 'haves' and 'have nots' but also features the middlemen who have, whether justly or not, become influential figures in the water business.

While focusing on the central theme of water, the series does not shy away from showing the human element embedded deeply in the narrative. The documentary introduces viewers to families living in unimaginably arid conditions and their struggles to even secure water for the bare minimum, daily needs.

Parched is an engaging, eye-opening, and informative series that leaves viewers with an understanding of how crucial water is to global politics, societies, economies, and to every living being. The documentary achieves a balance between presenting the hard-hitting reality of the world’s water crisis, stimulating thought and debate, and sowing the seeds of hope, highlighting humanity’s power to innovate and adapt.

With a perfect blend of investigative reporting, aesthetic visuals, and thought-provoking content, Parched serves to both illuminate and inspire, making the audience rethink how they view water, not just as a resource, but as a living entity upon which the survival of our species hinges. Having the trademark quality of National Geographic production, the series effectively reflects the brand's motto: 'Further,' urging viewers to rethink, understand, and explore deeper into the global water scenario.