The Human Face of Water Security

This volume collects essays from academics and practitioners from a diversity of areas and perspectives in order to discuss water security at various levels and to illuminate the central idea of water security: its focus on the individual. Beginning with the big picture, this book aims to illustrate the depth of the water security crisis and its interconnections with other aspects of societal development. It particularly draws a connection to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and discusses that challenges faced in meeting the 17 sustainability development goals (SDG) by the year 2030. Moving from international to domestic and community perspectives, this book provides a unique analysis of issues and solutions to the water issues we face today in light of the ever looming global changes brought on by climate change.

Over the past few decades the recognition of our common need for water has increased, as policymakers have sought to place more focus on the individual within policy. After the recognition of water and sanitation as a fundamental human right by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, there is increasing recognition of the individual as the building block for the struggle for water security. This reality also intersects with adverse impacts of global climate change, and the book responds to the broader question: will clean and safe water be available where we need it and when we need it in the future?

• Interdisciplinary Water Issues
• Water Governance/Policy/Law
• Water and Communities
• Water and Crime
• water and climate
• UN sustainability development goals

• China International Water Law (CIWL), School of Law, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China

  David Devlaeminck

• Pacific Water Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada

  Zafar Adeel

• Hamilton, Canada

  Robert Sandford

David Devlaeminck is currently a PhD Candidate at China International Water Law (CIWL), School of Law, Xiamen University where he is researching the function and role of the principle of reciprocity in international water law. Prior to his PhD, David completed his Masters of Philosophy at McMaster University, Canada as well as the interdisciplinary Water Without Borders programme at UNU-INWEH, Canada. David is particularly interested in transdisciplinary work on water in areas including: international water law, conflict and cooperation, water security, human rights, humanitarian intervention and ethics. 

Zafar Adeel Dr. Zafar Adeel serves as the Executive Director of the Pacific Water Research Centre, and as Professor of Professional Practice, School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University. He has previously worked with United Nations University, including serving for ten years as the Director of UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health in Hamilton, Ontario.  His research Interests include water security, the nexus of water, food and energy security, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He serves as the Series Editor for “Water Security in a New World” (Springer). 

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