Water Always Wins

Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge

By: Erica Gies

Narrated by: Linda Jones

Nearly every human endeavor on the planet was conceived and constructed with a relatively stable climate in mind. But as new climate disasters remind us every day, our world is not stable—and it is changing in ways that expose the deep dysfunction of our relationship with water. But as we grapple with extreme weather, a hard truth is emerging: our development, including concrete infrastructure designed to control water, is actually exacerbating our problems. Because sooner or later, water always wins.

In this quietly radical book, science journalist Erica Gies introduces us to innovators in what she calls the Slow Water movement who start by asking a revolutionary question: What does water want? Using close observation, historical research, and cutting-edge science, these experts in hydrology, restoration ecology, engineering, and urban planning are already transforming our relationship with water.

Gies reminds us that water's true nature is to flex with the rhythms of the earth: the slow phases absorb floods, store water for droughts, and feed natural systems. Figuring out what water wants—and accommodating its desires within our human landscapes—is now a crucial survival strategy. By putting these new approaches to the test, innovators in the Slow Water movement are reshaping the future.

©2022 Erica Gies (P)2022 Tantor

We are water

I love the solutions highlighting thinking with nature as a part of nature
Once we recognize, we are water and we think with water we will create a better world

Refreshing

As others have said, even the informed should find this tome eye-opening. Very enjoyable delivery.

Any interesting look into an over looked subject

I overall enjoyed this book, as it presented new (to me) stories and information. I did find it frustrating though that the book focused on domestic water use and urban development as a major issue, even though it is responsible for only about 5% of water consumed compared to 55% for animal agriculture. It is a common oversight or intentionally neglected subject when discussing water issues. Globally Animal ag is responsible for 1/3 of all water consumption.

Bright Present & Future

Both reader and writer made for an enjoyable and worthy listen. The book weaves together visits to water projects and efforts around the world that are showcases for how humans can work well with water instead of continuing practices that have resulted in suffering for people, plants and animals. Noteworthy is that these achievements are ALREADY in play…not some pipe dream or drawing board plan for a maybe future. As such this is emotionally supportive unlike so many environmental books which have left me with doom and gloom. Highly recommended! BTW I only gave stars because I am stingy about 5 stars.

Water will win out over engineered measures

Having studied and worked in hydrology and hydrogeology for decades I was delighted to find familiar concepts presented in clear and concise terms. And, to discover related subjects previously little known to me presented in the same succinct fashion. The book presents historical concepts as well as cultural influences, and the roles played by numerous aspects of nature which can only be to human’s benefit to work with. It was good.