Thirsty Planet: Understanding the global water crisis

Interactive PowerPoint presentation of the main aspects of the What, Why and How of the global water crisis

Available on-site and online in July 2023

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Updated on 29 March 2023
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Targeted audience This lecture is intended for a wide audience, including policymakers, diplomats, water professionals, academics and students, as well as anyone interested in water management and diplomacy, geopolitics, and sustainable development. The lecture is particularly useful for those who are new to the field of water management and hydrodiplomacy and seek a broad understanding of the global water crisis. It provides a solid foundation of knowledge before delving more deeply into practical solutions and innovations in water management and hydro-diplomacy. What you'll learnIn this 1 hour lecture (approximately), we will delve into the complex and multifaceted nature of the global water crisis. We will explore the various social, economic, and environmental impacts of water scarcity. We will also examine the underlying causes of the crisis, such as population growth, economic development, climate change, and unsustainable water use practices. Furthermore, we will present the diverse range of strategies and solutions that have been developed to address the water crisis. By the end of the course, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the global water crisis and its complexities, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to address water-related challenges in your own context. Lecture duration and locationThe standard duration of the course is around 1 h, including discussions and iteractions with me. This duration can be tailored to your organization's needs. Join us online via Zoom or for an on-site live presentation in your organization. Contact me now to discus how you personally or your organization can benefit from this lecture alone or combined with other lectures on water diplomacy. Lecture content The lecture is divided into the following chapters: I. Introduction Importance of understanding water resources and their management Key concepts: availability, needs, and distribution of water II. Main causes of water scarcity and hydroclimatic risks Demographic growth and urbanization Socioeconomic development and consumption patterns Climate change and extreme weather events Poor water resource management practices III. Geographic areas affected by water scarcity and hydroclimatic risks Societal and economic impacts of water scarcity in affected regions Security implications of water scarcity and potential conflicts Importance of international rivers and hydrodiplomacy in preventing water-related conflicts IV. Solutions and strategies to address water scarcity and hydroclimatic risks Investment needs Water conservation and efficiency measures Adoption of advanced technologies International cooperation and collaboration Implementation of appropriate policies and regulations Hydrodiplomacy V. Conclusion Recap of key takeaways from the lecture Importance of addressing water scarcity and hydroclimatic risks for sustainable development and peace Requirements There are no formal prerequisites for this course.