Project under the direction of : Thomas Römer, Chair of The Hebrew Bible and its Contexts.
Atmospheric water, in the form of vapour, liquid water droplets and ice crystals, plays a major role in the physics of the atmosphere and climate. Alongside other forms of water, it is the main vector through which we perceive the effects of climate change. Research into planetary boundaries reveals that the Earth's natural cycles have been severely disrupted, affecting not only climate and biodiversity, but also major chemical and water cycles.
Contrary to appearances, the control of atmospheric water is an ancient issue. A glance at the past shows that, for a large part of its history, the Mediterranean world has known laws and practices relating to atmospheric water and its control in its various forms. Perceived sometimes as a resource, sometimes as a danger, its capture or control by ritual powers was the object of great interest.
Paradoxically, contemporary international law and many domestic legal systems largely ignore atmospheric water. Its status, management and protection are not regulated at all. In international law, atmospheric water is only covered by the rare instruments relating to environmental manipulations.