International Water: Issues and Policies

4 Credits.

Is it true as recent headlines suggest that our fragile planet is on the loom of a grave water crisis, that our rivers are running dry and groundwater aquifers increasingly over-tapped and over-exploited, that wars will be fought between nations over this precious resource (more valuable than oil), and that this is likely to affect the development opportunities for a large share of the world population? Or is this looming crisis over-hyped, a matter of political will and proper economic valuation, and within the capacity of society to better manage? Water is a classic renewable resource, essential to life on this planet. Water sustains the livelihoods of society and makes productive economic activity possible. For such an important resource, it is no wonder that issues surrounding its use (and abuse) can generate cause for so much passionate controversy and concern. This course is a broad survey of the water issues facing governments and the international development community. Topics to be covered include, improving water supply and sanitation services, conflict and cooperation on trans-boundary rivers, the role of storage and reservoirs, water as a human right, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of water in food security, water governance, and climate change. Any discourse today on sustainable development is not complete without a discussion of the important role of water for people, food, society, and the planet.