Science
& Technology
The Myth of Water Wars
By James R. Davis and Rafik Hirji
The economies of many poor states depend heavily upon water, in particular for livestock, agriculture, energy, industry, mining, fishing, navigation, and tourism. Yet access to water is increasingly problematic, particularly for poorer countries that have under-invested in both water resource infrastructure and in water management systems and institutions. Numerous circumstances lead to water scarcity: the changing nature of supply; rising demand due to population growth and develop ment; degradation of catchments and recharge areas; aquatic ecosystem preservation; and the effects of increasing pollution and climate change, among others. Under-investment in water resources development exacerbates these problems and increases countries’ vulnerability to social and economic shocks from climate variability such as droughts and floods. more...
The New Age of Biodiplomacy
By Calestous Juma
One of the most significant public policy developments of the new millennium is the growing recognition of the role of technological innovation in international relations. Critical global objectives such as improvements in human welfare, participation in the global economy, and the transition towards sustainability are no longer possible without the significant use of science, technology, and innovation. In fact, advances in sci ence and technology are shaping the character and content of international relations. Agricultural biotechnology offers an example of how technological innovation and the associated institutional adjustments have the potential to lead to changes in the way nations relate to each other. more...
