By Jim Pedderson

Despite having an interest in the environment and ecology from a young age, Colette Ashley MPP’18, like many Americans, never gave much thought to where her food came from or the resources, such as land, energy, and water, that it takes to produce it.

And, just as many Americans might be, she was surprised to learn that, on average, agriculture accounts for 70 percent of the world’s water usage. It is possibly the most challenging resource to manage, plan for, and regulate. One does not have to search too long for headlines from around the world describing the latest example of excess water from storms or flooding, scarce water from droughts, or polluted water from spills, leaks, or other human-assisted events.

How countries, regions, states and local municipalities manage and govern their water resources is an often-overlooked aspect of environmental policy, but it is one that is increasingly important, as the impact from various trends – including climate change, population growth, and pollution – continue to alter and threaten the world’s water supplies dramatically.

Ashley’s interest in how countries shape policies and address the many challenges related to water resources was sparked through an internship with the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). During the summer-long internship, she conducted interviews and research, and co-authored Reforming Water Policies in Agriculture, a report that aims to provide historical lessons on the adoption and implementation of effective water management solutions.

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Areas of Focus: Climate Change
Definition
Climate Change
Climate change is an urgent global challenge. EPIC research is helping to assess its impacts, quantify its costs, and identify an efficient set of policies to reduce emissions and adapt...
Climate Law & Policy
Definition
Climate Law & Policy
As countries around the world implement policies to confront climate change, EPIC research is calculating which policies will have the most impact for the least cost.
Environment
Definition
Environment
Producing and using energy damages people’s health and the environment. EPIC research is quantifying the social costs of energy choices and uncovering policies that help protect health while facilitating growth.