The Future of Water: Will it be there for us?

Our global water environment is under stress, creating significant uncertainty about our planet’s ability to support humanity into the future. And the changing climate isn’t helping. As the demand for water continues to grow, meeting demand is no longer just about its scarcity. It’s also about its security because of the socioeconomics of accessibility and equity in water’s numerous consumptive uses across all scales of modern civilization. This presentation considers the impacts of rapid global urbanization on water, the geopolitical ramifications of water demands across geopolitical boundaries, and the influence of modern agricultural practices on water’s future. To what degree is climate change responsible? What is the role of public policy at the local, regional, and national level in shaping water’s future? What role does the environmental engineering community play in addressing this incredibly complicated challenge? Are there feasible, practical, cost-effective technical solutions that will ensure a sustainable future where water will be available, safe, and secure?