Join SPAG and UNC Global Affairs for a panel discussion on Water Diplomacy: cooperation and/or conflict around shared water resources, whether between cities or nations. Water diplomacy is a particularly important topic internationally, as climate change brings more frequent and more intense weather events, including an overabundance of water (floods) and a paucity of it (droughts). For many countries, shared water resources form the basis of strong relationships (e.g., US/Canada), but for others, a dependence on transboundary resources can exacerbate existing tensions (e.g., Egypt/Ethiopia). In either case, scientists have important roles to play in understanding hydrologic realities and water availability, and using that information to design sustainable and fair water management strategies.

This conversation will feature Dr. Mark Giordano (Georgetown University), Dr. Aaron Salzberg (UNC Water Institute and former US Special Coordinator for Water Resources), Rosa Cuppari (UNC Environmental Sciences and Engineering) and former Ambassador Barbara Stephenson (UNC Global Affairs). Refreshments and mingling after the event (4:30 - 5:30 pm).