THE WATER CHALLENGE

Useable water is a limited resource and demand is increasing. According to leading scientists, climate change will hit us first through water. If we consider how reliant on water the world is, this is not surprising. Paul Block discussed how "wet places will get wetter" with heavier rainfall and rising sea-levels and flooding. The dry countries will become "drier" with more severe and frequent droughts, increased deforestation and increased desertification.

Shama Perveen and Shiv Someshwar both discussed how supplies of clean drinking water and water management are already essential to development in the developing world.

Anders Baekgaard mentioned that projected shifts in H2O availability and its uncertainty need to be considered but it is not all. Scientific research, and technological analysis must also be include socioeconomic models that allow for regulatory and climate adaptation approaches.

The speakers were interesting, but they didn't tackle the real questions that I felt we could have benefited from discussing. What tangible, concrete steps or policy recommendations would they make, could the problem be solved, how much would that cost? and when could this be achieved by? I was disappointed by the lack of new stats, I was frustrated by the lack of innovative solutions or concepts, and the narrow regional / country focuses. Perhaps, I was hoping for a miracle? lol! Lets rewrite our future. Please tell me how and I will work towards making it happen. It reminds me of Someday by Nickleback.

http://www.earth.columbia.edu/videos/watch/260

Speakers: Paul Block, Anders Baekgaard, Henrik Larsen, Shiv Someshwar and Shama Perveen.

Moderator: Mariette DiChristina