Part of the monthly Third Coast Water Seminar series hosted by Current in partnership with Argonne, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Chicago.
Abstract: The global water crisis actually consists of six separate-but-interlinked crises being faced by different communities around the world. By placing the challenges within the larger context of changes that the world is still undergoing, we can comprehend the ways in which water stress will increase in coming decades as well as the efficacy of the three classes of solutions. Water demand-focused solutions will extend water resources through gains in efficiency whereas supply-focused approaches will unlock untapped water resources. However, these approaches will only get us part way to our goal; the ultimate solution requires a reimagining of our relationship with the environment and obligations to future generations.