Mershon Monday presents three conversations on water security
This month, the Mershon Center takes up the historical, global, and local dimensions of water security, expected to top the 21st century’s agenda for communities, governments, industry, and intergovernmental organizations. Given Ohio State’s multidisciplinary expertise in water matters, Mershon hopes to convene an ongoing discussion group; we invite wide participation.
Mershon Mondays encourage Ohio State researchers in different disciplines, career stages, and professional networks to share ideas and perspectives on global security questions. A light lunch is served.
Because of the strong response in the fall, we're now requesting advance registration.
Water, War, and Diplomacy in Human History
February 6
Derby 1039
12:00pm to 1:30pm
If the wars of this century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water”
- Ismail Serageldin, Vice-President, World Bank, 1995.
This oft-quoted prediction of a world at war with itself is a reminder of the tremendous, existential importance of fresh, clean water for human life. But, we should ask, how often do human communities actually take up violence as a solution to water crises? How accurate is Serageldin’s prediction and what are the specific conditions that most likely spark a “water war”? When does water scarcity act as a crisis multiplier leading to battle? Or, does water, because it is so non-negotiable to human life, lead more readily to compromise, diplomacy, and peaceful resolutions. Nicholas Breyfogle (History) leads us in discussion.
Who Owns Icebergs?
February 13
Derby 1039
12:00pm to 1:30pm
The global water crisis is upon us. One in three people do not have access to safe drinking water and nearly 1 million people die each year as a result. Luckily, there is a solution where we least expect it. Thousands of icebergs—frozen mountains of freshwater—are calved each year and sent into the oceans. Harvesting icebergs may be the key to saving the planet, but it is unclear who owns the resource. The answer is not just legal, but depends on our deeply held cultural, philosophical, and environmental beliefs. Matthew Birkhold (Germanic Languages and Literatures) shares research related to his new book, Chasing Icebergs.
Transborder Water Conflict in the Indus Basin
February 20
Derby 1039
12:00pm to 1:30pm
Fazlul Haq (Postdoctoral Fellow, Byrd Polar, and Climate Research Center; Assistant Professor of Geography, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan) and Bryan Mark (Professor, Geography and Byrd Polar) discuss their plan for studying transborder conflict over water distribution from the Indus Basin in the context of climatic and glacial change in the Himalayan region. The Mershon community is invited to offer input on conceptualizing the security aspects of water resource depletion.
