In his recent book, 'American Geography', @mattblack_blackmatt documented the complex web of economic, political and structural biases that has led to the growth of the American underclass. Part of that project was environmental degradation and a commodified access to water. ⁠ ⁠ Water is the most precious resource on our planet; a resource that in many environments around the world is becoming scarcer every year. One of those environments is the Central Valley of California. "The topic of water forced itself on me just by virtue of where I live and where I’m from," he says. ⁠ ⁠ California is the richest state in the richest country on Earth, and yet, Black says, you have people who don't have running water in their homes. “People here are continually getting short shrift. With all the changes being brought on environmentally, the most vulnerable people and the most vulnerable communities are feeling the brunt of that, and it’s not just kind of on the margins – it’s right in the center of everything.”⁠ ⁠ At the link in bio, Matt Black tells Colin Pantall why he feels obliged to speak up.⁠ ⁠ PHOTO: Burning rice stubble. Williams, California. USA. 2022. ⁠ ⁠ © @mattblack_blackmatt / Magnum Photos