Morning 14: Water – Caring about the Future (Part of Alpbach Learning Missions)

Water is the source of all life on earth, at all time and in all places. From a natural science point of view, it is crucial to understand how water and its ecosystems affect the life of organisms, including humans. From an economic point of view, water fuels the production of goods and services. But water and its ecosystems also have significant societal and cultural values as water is essential for all living beings, and is therefore also of interest to social scientists who examine how the limited nature and disparate availability of water can be the source for various conflicts of interest.
The aim of this seminar will be to explore different approaches and methods from the natural sciences, economics and social sciences to try and solve problems and challenges surrounding water. Together with the seminar chairs and guest lecturers, participants will try to find out how the future use and protection of water and its ecosystems can be ensured despite different societal needs. This is particularly important in times of global change, which impacts both water demand and supply.
This seminar will continue as an Alpbach Learning Mission to take a deep-dive into concrete and pressing questions surrounding water.