INTR 250 Hs/Global Freshwater Issues
This course will focus on the global freshwater crisis- its causes, impact and solutions. According to the UN over 50% of all countries in the world will experience water stress or outright shortage by 2025. Water shortage can cause food shortage, starvation, disease, human migration, political conflict or war. The first half of the course includes discussion of the water cycle, water systems, dams, pollution, climate change, scarcity, water conflict/cooperation, food security, and agriculture. In the second half we cover innovative solutions: Adaptive technologies and adaptation through policy, planning, management, economic tools, and human behaviors required to preserve freshwater resources. The class sessions will be supplemented with field trips to water/wastewater reuse and hydro power generation plants, which will help us to better understand both local and international challenges and solutions. Prerequisite: Honors Program