Sink or swim: Are we managing our water well?
Cootes Paradise, a large wetland at the western end of Lake Ontario, sits adjacent to McMaster's campus. Water experts will talk about the management of one of the world's most important resources Tuesday at McMaster Innovation Park.
Water security has emerged as a defining challenge in the 21st century, a global issue that touches every aspect of our lives, including clean drinking water, food production, climate change and economic growth.
The 2014 Philomathia Water Forum: 21st Century Water Security Challenges for Society and Science will tackle these perplexing issues during a panel discussion featuring leading experts.
The event takes place Tuesday, April 8 at the McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Road South in Hamilton, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“Almost 800 million people lack access to safe drinking water and billions remain without improved sanitation,” says Dustin Garrick, Philomathia Chair in Water Policy at McMaster University.
“Climate variability and change are a threat multiplier, causing shocks that disrupt livelihoods, economies and environmental well-being,” he says, pointing to the flooding in Calgary and Toronto last year.
Oxford University’s David Grey, who is a leading expert on water security, assessment and development, will deliver the keynote lecture. Grey worked for the World Bank for 27 years, where he held many positions including senior water advisor, and has conducted field work in over 70 countries.
Two subsequent panel discussions will focus on water science and policy, as well as health, innovation and technology.
The Philomathia Foundation, which in 2012 announced a $1-million gift to McMaster, established the Philomathia Foundation Water Project.
