What do you see when you look at this photo? Perhaps just a person delivering a talk to a room of people. When really, it’s an unprecedented gathering of the river and watershed community to strategize on a sustainable water and energy program for the U. S.
This week, River Network is bringing together two dozen of us to examine the interplay of water, energy and climate, and plan for the campaign to mitigate and reduce the impacts of climate change on the nation’s resources. I’m here (near the Susquehanna River in Southeast PA) to give the Michigan perspective and share HRWC’s work and interests. But I’m reaping the benefits, too, of hearing what our colleagues are doing and will bring back home a renewed commitment to this issue.
We have plenty to learn and adapt from River Network, national groups like Union of Concerned Scientists and National Wildlife Federation, and local groups working on the Cahaba River (AL), Yadkin/Pee Dee River (NC), Clark Fork (MT), and many others.
Here are some excellent resources if you want to learn more about the role of water and energy in climate change:
2009 Report from the U. S. Global Change Research Program
Saving Water, Saving Energy program of River Network
Alliance for Water Efficiency and a summary of Michigan water efficiency
Circle of Blue WaterNews – Reporting the Global Water Crisis