Water Program
The Problem
Access to clean water is one of the major problems faced by humanity in the 21st century. Water problems are exacerbated by a long history of wasteful use and pollution.
In the modern era demands for water increase in the face of limited or declining supplies thereby intensifying water scarcity. The Science Academies of the Americas established a regional water program to aid national governments in addressing the multiple issues that threaten the availability of water in the future.
The challenges of water scarcity require for their solution rigorous, science-based regimes of technological and managerial actions. These actions are needed: to achieve more efficient use of existing supplies; to recover and reclaim degraded surface and ground waters; and secure for future generations sustainable supplies of clean, healthful water. If allowed to continue intensifying water scarcity may constrain opportunities for economic development in the future. To preserve those opportunities water resources will need to be protected and managed in enlightened and science-based ways.
Solution
The IANAS Water Program is committed to the use of science to develop new strategies for managing water; to the recovery and recycling of degraded waters; and to the protection of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and aquifers.
Strategy Statement of The Program
Water is among the most critical resources provided by the Earth’s environmental endowment. Life as we know it cannot exist without water. Recently we have noticed it is key to aid in confronting health threats as pandemics. But water is not always available in the desired quantities and qualities at the time and place of use.