Global Water Lab

 

Objective

Freshwater is a vital component of many environmental, economic, and social aspects of life on Earth. However, as the human population has grown and global climate change has progressed, questions of water quality and access have started to arise. A novel, thoughtful approach to water management must be undertaken in order to ensure that water continues to be accessible to the ecosystems, industries, and humans that need it to thrive.

 

This lab will introduce you to the concept of water as a common pool resource. The associated reading will discuss the impact of global climate change on water resources and an assessment of water management opportunities.

 

Before Coming to Discussion Section

Read “Global climate change and its impacts on water resources planning and management: assessment and challenges”.

 

During Class

We will be using the online water resources game Irrigania to explore common trends in water resource use. Each student will take on the role of a “farmer” in a hypothetical village. The goal of each farmer is to make as much money as possible from ten fields. Each field can be watered one of three ways: rain water, irrigation using river water, or irrigation using groundwater. There is a cost and a revenue associated with each option.

 

As a class, we will run through the simulation two times: the first time cooperating as a village and the second time with each farmed making decisions independently. After completing the two scenarios, we will discuss the results and how they apply to water resource management at a global and regional level.

 

Consider:

• What are the trends in your water choice overtime?
• How might the results of the simulation inform water resource management practices?
• Were there differences in outcome between the two scenarios? Why might these have occurred?

 

Individual Assignment: After Discussion

Respond to two of the questions below with at least one page double spaced. Some of the questions may require some critical thinking as the answers are not directly in the article.

 

Question One

What are the major social and environmental factors that drive water scarcity and pollution? How may some of these be addressed?

 

Question Two

Briefly explain the three ways that Earth’s radiation balance may be modified and how each may (or may not) be affected by human processes.

 

Question Three

Describe some of the observed effects of climate change on the water system. What water management strategies might help to address these issues?

 

Question Four

What biophysical science challenges should be answered in order to create a better water management strategy?

 

Question Five

Describe a few of the social sciences challenges that should be addressed in order to create a better water management strategy.