Sustainability of Groundwater in a Changing World

Groundwater constitutes the overwhelming majority of the freshwater resources available for humankind to use, and yet because it is largely invisible it remains relatively ignored and misunderstood by policy makers.  Virtually ubiquitous, groundwater is in many ways a more useful resource than surface water, though natural variations in geology and climate mean that careful planning is necessary if it is to be used sustainably.  Connectivity is a keyword in considering the sustainability of groundwater exploitation: connectivity with the atmosphere (just how much of the groundwater we use is “fossil” recharge?); connectivity within and between aquifers; connectivity with surface waters, often transcending surface catchment boundaries; and conceptual connectivity between groundwater use and the consumption of energy and materials.  While alarming tales of groundwater over-use are not difficult to find, the extraordinary resilience of many aquifer systems also gives great grounds for hope in many parts of the world.  But we do need to begin to make sure those policymakers finally get to grips with the intriguing “connectivities” of groundwater.
 

Event information

The talk will be given twice on the same day, once at 3pm and once at 6pm – please note that if you would like to attend the talks, the 3pm matinees generally have more availability. The talks will be exactly the same in the afternoon and evening.

Entry to the lectures is free to all, but by ticket only. To obtain a ticket please contact Naomi Newbold (naomi.newbold@geolsoc.org.uk) and state whether you would prefer to attend the 3pm or the 6pm lecture.

Programme – 3pm talk
2:30pm Tea & Coffee
3pm Lecture begins
4pm Event ends

Programme – 6pm talk
5:30pm Tea & Coffee
6pm Lecture begins
7pm Short drinks reception
8pm Event ends
 

Speaker

Professor Paul L Younger FREng, DL, FICE, C.Eng., FGS, C.Geol.

Biography

Paul L Younger is Director of the Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability, based at Newcastle University.  A hydrogeologist and environmental engineer by background, he has more than 25 years’ experience of the investigation and exploitation of groundwater, ranging from village water wells in the Andes to some of the deepest onshore boreholes in the UK.  He has been awarded Honorary Doctorates in both Spain and Peru for his work on sustainable management of groundwater in areas affected by mining, and is author of Groundwater in the Environment: An Introduction (Blackwell 2007).

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