Emeritus Professor Ghislain de Marsily, University Paris VI and French Academy of Sciences, will address one of the biggest questions facing mankind  at Flinders Victoria Square on 20 April.

The concepts of ‘green water’, ‘blue water’, ‘artificial water’ and ‘virtual water’ will all be defined, and the effect of climate change and demographic growth on water needs examined.

Abstract:

The total water resources of the planet, both from the current water cycle and from the water reserves stored in the ground or frozen in the ice sheets, will be summarized. The concepts of “green water”, representing water stored in the upper soil, available for plant uptake, and of “blue water” which flows in rivers and aquifers, will be defined, together with “artificial water” produced by seawater desalinization, and “virtual water” as imported or exported water through food trade. The current water consumption and origin will be estimated, and the effect of climate change and of demographic growth on water needs will be examined. As about 95% of our water consumption is used for producing the food we eat, the water needs are closely related to the food production scenario and to hunger and food crises. Will there be enough water left at the end of this century to feed the planet? That is the question!

When: Thursday 20 April, 3-5pm – Flinders University Victoria Square

Where: Room 1, level 1.

RSVP here before April 13.