Sustainability Societal Challenge Theme - The Challenge of Sustainable Water Futures Workshop 14-15th July 2011

Location: Bedson Building G.04, Lecture Theatre 1, Newcastle University
Time/Date: 14th July 2011 - 15th July 2011, 09:00 - 17:00

Registration required for this event. Please complete the online Registration Form

  • Is there enough water for everyone in the planet?
  • Can we afford to recognize that access to essential water services is a public good or even a human right?
  • Should water be treated primarily as a commodity?
  • What is the value of water?
  • Is it possible to universalize the access to water and sanitation services in poor countries?
  • Do we have the technological means to reverse the current world water crisis?
  • Is it possible to simultaneously achieve the goals of sustainability and social justice in relation to water?
  • Are we facing a real possibility of international water wars?
  • Should we care?

These and other pressing questions will be the object of a public event organized by the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology and the Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability (NIRES) at Newcastle University on 14 July 2011 from 9am to 1pm.

Leading experts and scientists from the UK, Brazil, Finland, France, Kenya, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, among other countries, will meet to discuss the main challenges and opportunities facing the international community in relation to the government and management of water worldwide.

These scholars strongly believe that the magnitude of the challenges that we face requires the adoption of trans-disciplinary approaches that overcome rigid disciplinary and policy boundaries and bring together expertise from across the social, natural and technical sciences, and that also promotes the participation of non academics and practitioners.

The event will feature keynote speakers and roundtables, with an opportunity for questions and discussion with the audience.

In the evening we will screen a film addressing water issues, followed by a roundtable with discussion. This part of the programme is jointly organized with Cinema Politica, and will take place at the Culture Lab, Newcastle University, Grand Assembly Rooms, King's Walk.

This event is part of a series of activities taking place throughout 2011 to celebrate Newcastle University’s world-leading work on sustainability. For more information, see www.ncl.ac.uk/sustainability.  

Contact for queries and confirmation of attendance: Sue Tatah sue.tatah@ncl.ac.uk 

Published: 11th August 2011