Courses

Water is perhaps the world’s most critical resource. It shapes Earth’s surface and has been central to the creation and evolution of life for billions of years. Throughout Earth’s history, global climatic and environmental crises have been inextricably linked to the availability of clean, fresh water, which is vital to human health, agriculture, industry, and energy production. This eight-week course develops a systems-based understanding of Earth’s hydrological history: the unique properties and planetary origins of water; where and how Earth’s water is distributed; and how the hydrological cycle connects atmospheric, biological, and geological systems. A dedicated case study examines the Colorado River as a real-world example of basin-scale water stress, while a concluding session surveys emerging scientific and technological approaches to address global water scarcity. Science-based rather than focused on water policy, the course aims to give citizens, educators, and leaders a sound scientific and technological foundation for making policy decisions.