Global Water Issues Discussed Locally

During the last century, global water use has increased at more than twice the rate of population growth.   As world population continues to grow as predicted from 7 billion to 9 billion by 2050, the demand for food and fresh water will continue to rapidly increase.

As members of the plant and agricultural research community, the issue of water scarcity is of utmost importance as seventy percent of the world’s fresh water is used for agriculture.

In an effort to raise awareness of this critical issue, the Danforth Plant Science Center hosted part one of a two-part Conversations series on March 21, the eve of the United Nations’ World Water Day, to discuss efforts to improve agriculture practices and water use.  

From Left to Right: Dr. Lenton, Michael Doane, and Jim Davis on March 21st discussing water availability for agriculture.

The discussion, with over 200 people in attendance, featured Dr. Roberto Lenton, Executive Director of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska and Michael Doane, Vice President of Sustainable Agriculture Policy at Monsanto Company. Dr. Jim Davis, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Washington University, engaged the crowd  while moderating the distinguished panel.

During the discussion, Dr. Lenton made the point that, “Although there are common challenges in many countries, effective water management requires solutions to be made locally first and foremost. Policies and solutions to settle water scarcity and distribution have many dimensions. We need to focus on the concept of sharing benefits rather than distribution uses. We also need to share information between countries and be more willing to have data more publicly available.”

The United Nations dedicated 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. Water resources are difficult to manage because of the conflict over uses; agriculture, growing urban areas, and conservation. When resources are shared and managed effectively, peace and sustainable development are more attainable.

“Water issues really depend on where you are situated geographically. Perceptions on water are a precursor to climate change. Water issues will hit us first causing us to focus on the bigger issue of climate change,” said Doane.  Anticipating future demands, he stated, “As of right now, there’s plenty of water, but we have to get some of these policies and technology in place now. I’m very optimistic that if we’re smart about this now, we have the solutions. ”

The audience is looking forward to part two of the Conversation Series sponsored by Boeing on Thursday, May 23, featuring Dr. Thomas Brutnell, Director of the Enterprise Rent-a-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Danforth Center and others who will discuss research aimed at to developing crops that yield more per acre with fewer inputs like water.

If you missed part one of the Conversations series, Water Availability and the Impact on Global Agriculture, you can view the program on April 7 at www.hectv.org .  To reserve your seat for part two on May 23, please contact the development office at 314-587-1070 orconversations@danforthcenter.org.