Water as a Human Right and Fugitive Resource

Safe and clean drinking water and sanitation are now recognized by the United Nations as human rights. However, the quantity and quality of fresh water vary over space and time, and therefore water is often understood as a “scarce” or “fugitive” resource. How does society understand and manage the water cycle, and how does water in turn shape society? We will investigate these questions through geographic analysis, drawing on evidence from local field observations, maps and geographic information systems, published research papers, and water laws and policy. 3 hrs. sem.