UK: Managing water for life

10.09.10

In a week where 2,500 leaders from the global water community are meeting in Stockholm, Sweden and the Head of IUCN's Water Programme called for more investment in solving the water crisis an exciting conference in the UK was announced.

Managing water for life is taking place on 12 November in London and participants include some of the great environmental thinkers of our time.

There needs to be significant investment to solve the growing water crisis that threatens water supplies and water quality for both people and nature, says IUCN, and climate change makes the search for practical solutions for water management increasingly urgent.

picture of colourful fresh vegetables

“Climate change is having a significant impact on the world’s ability to ensure clean and sufficient water supplies for everyone,” said Mark Smith, Head of IUCN’s Water Programme. “At the same time, demand for energy and food is growing as economies and populations expand, driving up the demand for water. Now, more than ever, we must invest in solving the water crisis – and include investments in natural infrastructure that will safeguard water resources for people and nature.”

But it is in the arena of food that Managing water for life will concentrate. Humanity needs to adapt to face a social, economic and environmental revolution driven by population, resource use and climate change. Water and horticulture are fundamentally linked to the well-being of our economy, environment and culture so these great thinkers have scanned the horizon and seen our potential future. Humanity faces a ‘perfect storm’, in water food and energy resources as floods, droughts and crop failures impact grain supply and food prices.

This conference looks to scope and illuminate the challenges, and explore the ingenuity and skills the UK will need to manage water for life.

Conference flyer and programme (pdf)

Conference postcard (pdf)

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