Course Description

This course examines freshwater resources worldwide, including the global water cycle; human use and abuse of water; human impacts on freshwater; socio-economic implications; sustainability; climate change; management policies and programs. Case studies will be discussed including – China; North American Great Lakes; Mexico; Middle East; industrial use; agriculture / irrigation schemes.

Participants will gain a broad overview of global freshwater issues, including water supply and availability, human impacts on water supply and quality, socio-economic issues and sustainability including future scenarios involving climate change. They will understand where to place freshwater issues within a broader context of society and economy, and be able to analyze the importance of freshwater to human development.