Institute Staff to Participate in World Water Day Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 21, 2011

CONTACT: Erin McKenzie
(919) 613-3652
erin.mckenzie@duke.edu

DURHAM, N.C. –Unarguably, water is one of the most vital commodities on the planet. Across the world, it will be the focus of dozens of events Tuesday, all held in honor of World Water Day.

“Overall, the goal of World Water Day is to bring attention to the significance and importance of water,” said Peter McCornick, director for water at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions. “The particular emphasis this year is on the impacts and effects of continuing urbanization and industrial growth, and the risks associated with climate change and variability, increasing competition for water, and natural disasters.”

The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, McCornick said, is a distressing reminder that even in our most developed societies securing drinking water can be a challenge, especially for industrial and energy services.

McCornick, as well as Water Policy Associate Cheryl Choge will be part of this global effort in two Washington, D.C.-based events: 

·         On Monday at 12:15 p.m., McCornick will present the preliminary findings of the Institute’s latest project on Reviewing Progress in Water and Sanitation at the “Making Progress Learning Forum.”

·         Choge and McCornick will also participate in roundtable discussions at the World Bank on World Water Day: WASH Health and Ecosystems. These include “Advancing Freshwater Management through Integrated WASH Programming” and “Breaking the Silos: Aligning the WASH and Education Agendas,” both at 9-11 a.m. Tuesday.

For updates from the World Water Day events, visit the Nicholas Institute’s blog, The Water Log.

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