Science of Sustainable Water

This course covers all topics and material about water sustainability, the global water crisis and the impacts from climate change. It is a comprehensive introductory water resource class that all sustainable-minded professionals should have. The topics and materials studied in the class strikes a balance for management, business, science, and technical specialists. The sustainability of water has become an increasingly critical issue, and over the coming decade, as awareness and resources go into addressing public health, economics, growing development, climate and weather changes, and aging infrastructure. Water resources are affected by changes not only in climate but also in population, economic growth, technological and scientific changes, and other socioeconomic factors. In addition, they serve a dual purpose; water resources are critical to both human society and natural ecosystems. The objective of this course is to provide a fundamental understanding of key global water challenges and hydrological processes in the natural and built environment. We will then use this understanding to explore aspects of sustainable strategies for integrated and climate-resilient water resources management. We will explore the roles of humans as an integral part of the water cycle: how we use our water resources and how our actions help shape the water cycle. In addition, students will be encouraged to think about how climate change will impact water resources.