Navigating the Unpredictable: Climate Chaos and the Future of Water

Salt water running from your kitchen tap, widespread floods and droughts, and the loss of biodiversity – how do we manage the impacts of climate change that are already visible, while preparing ourselves for the future challenges we have yet to grasp? On March 4th, David Zetland and Thijs Bosker will discuss these questions with you.

David will discuss the political and economic challenges we face in adapting to changes in the water cycle. Think for instance of the consequences of collapsing infrastructure due to flooding, or the salinization and resulting loss of farmland and freshwater resources, but also of climate-induced migration. Solutions to these issues do not always account for unforeseen consequences, and are often unfair, as measures taken by wealthier regions further disadvantage poorer communities. In his lecture, David will show that these challenges are not only a matter of politics. Instead, market-based solutions, such as water pricing and water markets, can and should be used responsibly in addressing problems we already face today, while also preventing future crises.

Thijs will speak about his research into risk and pollution. He will focus on plastic pollution and discuss its effect in aquatic and terrestrial systems. What are the potential risks of microplastics on animals, plants, and humans? Next, he will discuss whether plastic pollution deserves all the attention it is getting at the moment, or whether it distracts from more urgent environmental issues (think climate change, biodiversity loss, and land-use change) we are facing.

After their talks, David and Thijs will together answer your questions, and discuss big and small actions we can all take to make a change.