Water economics students visit a local wastewater treatment plant.
In an era defined by the complex interplay of climate change, population growth, and globalization, efficient and equitable management of water resources is more crucial than ever. Water scarcity, pollution, and unequal access to water and sanitation have emerged as pressing issues, underscoring the necessity for a well-prepared workforce armed with a deep understanding of water economics.
On August 31st, the Applied Economics Teaching Resources (AETR) journal published a special issue entitled "Contemporary Adjustments Needed for Teaching Water Economics In Light of Challenges Facing the Water Sector and its Users".
The special issue includes 13 articles, addressing whether the current water economics curriculum is ready to cope with an increased level of global challenges regarding water use and allocation in the context of rapidly changing socio-hydrological systems and geopolitical conditions.
Dr. Roy Brouwer's article, "Reconciling Theory and Practice in Higher Education Water Economics Courses," featured in this special issue, discusses the objectives, methods, and structure of his water economics course in the Economics department at the University of Waterloo, and the role economic theory plays in real-world water management.
At the core of Brouwer’s water economics course lies a commitment to preparing students for the intricate and interdisciplinary challenges faced by the water sector. Brouwer’s curriculum applies economic theory to real-world examples, offering students insight into current water management issues, including droughts, floods, water quality, water and sanitation, and the water-food-energy nexus. Visits to local wastewater treatment plants, and hands-on assignments, embed practicality into the learning process, using theoretical concepts to develop tangible solutions.
Brouwer says he hopes the special issue will provide a launch point for innovation in the water economics curriculum reflecting the ideas and experiences presented by special issue authors.