Water: The World’s Most Valuable Resource

Catalog description

Water concerns are one of the most important and controversial global issues of the 21st century. As evidence, recent years have witnessed: critical shortages of, and limited access to, water used for drinking and agricultural production; increasing incidents of local communities struggling with corporate control over water resources; difficulties for poorer human populations related to water-borne diseases; and significant increases in the cost of water through utilities. Many factors have contributed to this global water crisis, including: environmental conditions; governmental policies; political conflict; corporate and community interests; market forces and international trade; conventional agricultural practices; and socio-cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors. In a seminar format, this course will explore the role that these factors have played in contributing to our current water challenges. In addition, policy measures will be considered and evaluated for their potential to effectively address these challenges and promote more sustainable and socially just practices. While course materials will be drawn from multiple disciplines, anthropological, environmental, and public health contributions and perspectives will be emphasized. The course will include laboratory experiences that will supplement and strengthen the theoretical content of the course. GCP Coding : (PNW) (WCOM).