Is Water the Next Oil?

Join us for in-depth discussion with specialists working in diverse fields relating to water, including management, economics and conservation.

Hosepipe bans, cracked earth and yellowed grass combined with huge water leakage in London have become a recurring summer theme. Globally, increased population growth, urbanisation and individual water consumption together with climate change will exacerbate existing freshwater problems. So what might the future hold for life’s essential resource?

The UN states that by 2025 there will be 1.8 billion people living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s population living under conditions of water stress.

Andy McKenzie talks about ground water, one of the main sources of fresh water in the UK. Have our ground-water levels changed over the past 150 years? What effect will climate change have on this resource?

With previous experience in water management in Palestine, he provides various insights into water in relation to conflict zones. Will water scarcity lead to increased conflict and potential wars?

Steve Merrett, a specialist in the economics of water, addresses the chronic condition of water scarcity. What should we be doing to manage this precious resource and where does economics come in? Which major rivers will be affected and what will happen when they dry up?

Rob Shore tells us of the WWF’s approach in helping different communities to negotiate. How do big dam builders, local communities and policy-makers share river resources and what impact will climate change have on the ecosystems that local communities rely on in areas of south Asia?

Float you own ideas and discuss whether water is indeed the next oil.

Event organised by:
The Science Museum

Speakers

Andy McKenzie, British Geological Survey
Steve Merrett, water economist
Rob Shore, freshwater programmes, WWF