The Future of Water: Will it be there for us?
Topic: The Future of Water: Will it be there for
us?
Speakers: Dr. Art Umble, PhD, PE, F.WEF: Senior
Vice President—Emeritus, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
When: Friday, April 18th, 2025, 12 pm to 1pm
Where: Virtual (via Zoom)—Link to virtual
seminar to be sent upon RSVP
The recording of the webinar is available here.
Topic Overview
Our global water environment is under stress, creating significant
uncertainty about our planet’s ability to support humanity into the
future. And the changing climate isn’t helping. As the demand for water
continues to grow, meeting demand is no longer just about its scarcity.
It’s also about its security because of the socioeconomics of
accessibility and equity in water’s numerous consumptive uses across all
scales of modern civilization.
This presentation considers the impacts of rapid global urbanization on
water, the geopolitical ramifications of water demands across
geopolitical boundaries, and the influence of modern agricultural
practices on water’s future. To what degree is climate change
responsible? What is the role of public policy at the local, regional,
and national level in shaping water’s future? What role does the
environmental engineering community play in addressing this incredibly
complicated challenge? Are there feasible, practical, cost-effective
technical solutions that will ensure a sustainable future where water
will be available, safe, and secure?
About the Speaker
Dr. Art Umble is a global leader in promoting
planetary sustainability. Professionally, he has served in
numerous leadership roles in the water industry, focusing on
sustainable approaches to treating municipal wastewater that
incorporate innovation and accelerate the adoption of new
technology through applied research and practice. His experience
includes leading the Global Wastewater Sector for Stantec;
directing Stantec’s Institute for Applied Science, Technology &
Policy; teaching at the university level, and managing a
publicly owned water and wastewater utility. Though retired, he
remains active in numerous environmental projects, programs, and
forums.
