3-10: Impact of Global Change on Water Resources and Water Use

Importance of this Unit to the Course

In Block 2 we saw that observations of both the recent and distant past reveal wide fluctuations in global patterns of precipitation. And climate models suggest future climates also will include changes from current conditions. In this unit we examine how such future climates will impact water resources, an increasingly critical element in societies with increased population and improved living standards.

Objectives

To review how societies use water and to examine the patterns of water use in various regions.
To explore opportunities for reduced water use and reducing risk due to variability in water supplies.

Preparation for Discussion (You must complete this section before class.)

Read the summary information

Take the Quiz over the summary information. (see your portfolio)

Review additional reading material (this material is not covered in the quiz, but offers more ideas for online discussion)

None

Discussion (online / face-to-face) (See your portfolio for due dates and times)

A major component of the course is participation in the online dialog. The following types of comments are required:

Social Comments
Knowledge-building Comments
Ethical Comments

The following may be used as discussion starters for the online dialog:

Unit Problem to Ponder:

How much water do you use per day for personal needs (toilet flushing, showers, drinking, cooking, dishwashing, clothes washing, etc.)?
Unit exam questions from previous years
Unit discussions from previous years, available from the current online discussion page

Additional Reading