What's Next for Water, Conflict and Environmental Peacebuilding?
Erika Weinthal, Professor of Environmental Policy and Public Policy
Water has played a prominent role in the study of environmental conflict and peacebuilding. Drawing upon two decades of research on water cooperation and conflict, this talk will survey the ways in which water and associated infrastructure have played a critical role in the different phases of the conflict cycle, including the weaponization of water during conflict as well as the need for addressing access to clean water for creating sustainable livelihoods. While the emphasis is on water and associated infrastructure, scholarship and practice in environmental conflict and peacebuilding recognizes the importance of examining the linkages to other sectors, including energy, agriculture, and health. Through highlighting ongoing research on protracted conflicts in Middle East and North Africa, this talk will thus lay out the ways in which modern warfare has destroyed water, energy and agricultural infrastructures, further undermining livelihoods, forcing mass displacement and exacerbating humanitarian crises. Lastly, the talk will conclude with lessons learned for water, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding efforts in a changing climate.
Please contact Laura Turcotte for a link to join this lecture.
ABOUT THE SERIES
Dean Steelman is excited to announce the inaugural year of the Dean’s Lecture Series. These quarterly lectures are intended to highlight the exciting research at the Nicholas School, and engage interdisciplinary researchers in a discussion around innovative science. Invited lecturers may choose to present a big picture of their research program, or do a Research in Progress lecture – the goal is to share our innovation with our research community.