Video from University of Arizona lecture

Water Sustainability Program Distinguished Speaker Series, co-sponsored by the Water Resources Research Center
Thursday, March 5, 2015, University of Arizona
Brian Richter, Chief Scientist, Global Water Program, The Nature Conservancy, and President, Sustainable Waters

Brian Richter has been a global leader in river science and conservation for more than 25 years. He acts as Chief Scientist of Water Markets for The Nature Conservancy, where he promotes sustainable water use and management with governments, corporations and local communities.

Water scarcity is spreading and intensifying in many regions of the world, with dire consequences for local communities, economies, and freshwater ecosystems. Current approaches tend to rely on policies crafted at the state or national level, which on their own have proved insufficient to arrest water scarcity. To be durable and effective, water plans must be informed by the culture, economics, and varied needs of affected community members.

In his latest book, ‘Chasing Water: A Guide for Moving from Scarcity to Sustainability’ (Island Press, 2014), the topic of his talk, Richter argues that sustainable water sharing in the twenty-first century can only happen through open, democratic dialogue and local collective action. Richter tells a cohesive and complete story of water scarcity: where it is happening, what is causing it, and how it can be addressed. Through his engaging and nontechnical style, he strips away the complexities of water management to its bare essentials, providing information and practical examples that will empower community leaders, activists, and students to develop successful and long-lasting water programs.