Thursday, March 22 is World Water Day, the annual reminder that we shouldn't take water for granted
Thursday, March 22 is World Water Day, the annual reminder that we shouldn't take water for granted. The crisis in Cape Town, South Africa is an example of what happens when we do. The University of Waterloo has experts available to speak on World Water Day and Cape Town’s countdown to Day Zero.
Larry Swatuk - Director, Master of Development Practice
Larry Swatuk is a Professor of International Development in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development at Waterloo. His research focuses on sustainable water resources governance and management with a focus on the Global South, in particular sub-Saharan Africa. His most recent book is entitled Water in Southern Africa.
“Like a mirror, water use reflects a society back to itself. In the case of Cape Town, poor people living in the metropolitan areas have been living with “Day Zero” since day one. Others are coping as best they can, with their actions largely a function of their disposable income. Sadly, for municipal, regional and national politicians, the crisis is being manipulated for party political gains. How to move beyond this situation is no easy matter.”
— Larry Swatuk
Rob de Loë – Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability
Professor Rob de Loë is the director of the Water Policy and Group. He currently serves as the Canadian Co-Chair of the International Joint Commission’s bi-national Great Lakes Water Quality Board.
"In Canada we are fortunate to have relatively abundant water resources. But we can't allow ourselves to be complacent because the many water challenges we face require us to take action together now. Cape Town demonstrates what happens when people know what they need to do, but don't take the necessary actions."
— Rob de Loë
Jason Thistlethwaite - School of Environment, Enterprise and Development
Professor Jason Thistlethwaite’s research focuses on climate change risk management and innovative strategies designed to reduce the economic impacts of extreme weather. He explores the role of public policy, insurance and risk-sharing in reducing community’s vulnerability to risk.
“Although flooding represents Canada’s most significant climate change risk costing $600 million a year in out-of-pocket expenses, our governments lag their international counterparts in taking actions to protect Canadians. This is unfortunate as our research shows a small increase in the budget supporting flood mitigation and adaptation programs could make a huge difference and enjoy wide political support among Canadians.”
— Jason Thistlethwaite
Johanna Wandel - Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, Geography Programs
Associate Professor Johanna Wandel focuses on vulnerability and adaptation of human systems under climate change. She has particular expertise in drought and drought management.
"Typically, water crises have multiple causes. Climate factors are one of the main contributors to this, but crises are the result of the interaction of climate/weather, urban and regional planning particularly as it pertains to infrastructure, population pressures, consumption patterns and so on. Similarly, the solutions to water crises often require a diversification of approaches.”
— Johanna Wandel
