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Mini Case Scenarios
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More than two billion people globally live in countries with excess water stress, where safe and readily accessible water sources are unavailable. Water stress is expected to be exacerbated in some regions as a result of climate change and population growth. Water contamination from faecal waste is a large contributor to this issue. An estimated 946 million people lack adequate sanitation facilities while an estimated 892 million people continue to practice open defecation. The unsafe management of faecal waste and wastewater presents a major risk to public health and the environment due to the increased risk of transmissible diseases in non-sanitized water...
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Microplastics are defined as plastics that are less than 5mm in diameter. There are two types of microplastics: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are found in materials such as clothing, cosmetics, laundry detergent, and even toothpaste. Secondary microplastics are the result of larger plastics being broken down, usually due to the sun’s radiation or ocean waves. The primary source of secondary plastics in the environment are single use plastic items such as straws, water bottles and plastic bags. Although littering is a source of environmental pollution, weather has a large play in how microplastics end up in our oceans...
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International cooperation plays a vital role in addressing water and sanitation challenges, as these issues transcend national boundaries. Collaborative efforts between governments, international organizations, and civil society are essential for sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices. For instance, the United Nations Water Action Decade (2018-2028) aims to mobilize global partnerships and cooperation to accelerate progress towards SDG 6...
Discussion Topics
- What technologies have helped ensure access to water? How have these advances helped efforts to get clean water?
- Discuss the global challenges and disparities in access to clean and safe drinking water.
- What is the impact of water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, and water pollution on communities and potential strategies for improving access.
- Analyze the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices for public health. Discuss the challenges and innovative solutions related to sanitation infrastructure, menstrual hygiene management, and behavior change promotion.
- Discuss the sources and consequences of water pollution, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste.
- What are the ecological and human health impacts of water pollution and potential strategies for preventing and mitigating it.
- Explore the relationship between water-related disasters, such as floods, droughts, and waterborne disease outbreaks, and their impact on communities. Discuss preparedness measures, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the effects of such disasters.
- Discuss the importance of effective water governance and management for sustainable water resource utilization.
- What is the role of stakeholders, policy frameworks, and international cooperation in achieving water security and equitable allocation.
- Discuss the concept of water footprint and its implications for sustainable consumption and production. Analyze the water footprint of different products, industries, and lifestyles, and explore strategies for reducing water consumption and promoting responsible water use.
Assessment Ideas
- Position Paper: As a member of an non-governmental organization, evaluate the contribution of NGOs in implementing water and sanitation projects, and discuss how partnerships between NGOs and governments can enhance project outcomes.
- Research Paper: Explore emerging technologies for providing clean drinking water in remote or disaster-stricken areas, assessing their feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability.
- Case Study Analysis: Analyze a real-world case study related to water and sanitation. Examine the challenges, solutions, and outcomes of the case study, considering factors such as water access, sanitation infrastructure, and community engagement. Propose recommendations for improving water and sanitation practices.
- Policy Brief: Prepare a policy brief on a specific water or sanitation policy issue. Conduct research, analyze the policy's impact, identify gaps or challenges, and propose recommendations for policy improvement.
- Group Presentation: Research and review innovative technologies and approaches for improving water and sanitation. Evaluate the effectiveness, affordability, scalability, and sustainability of these technologies. Present your findings by comparing different technologies and their potential applications.
- Data Analysis and Recommendations: Conduct a survey-based study amongst the student body on public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to water conservation, identifying key factors that influence individual conservation efforts. Provide recommendations to improve societies understanding of water scarcity and conservation.
- Communications Strategy: Develop a community engagement plan to promote water and sanitation practices in a specific context. Identify target communities, assess their needs and priorities, propose communication strategies, and outline methods for encouraging behavior change.
Additional Resources
Faculty Subject Matter Experts
You may wish to contact one of the following departments who may have subject matter experts in this area:
Environmental Studies (wintlet@queensu.ca)
Experiential Learning Contact
Christina Dinsmore (pronouns: she/her)
Associate Director, Experiential Learning & Programming
asc.el@queensu.ca
- World Health Organization. Drinking-water. 2022 [cited 2023; Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water.
- Nations, U., Case Studies - Standards for SDG6: Clean water and sanitation, in Standards for the Sustainable Development Goals. 2019, United Nations.
- World Health Organization. Billions of people will lack access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in 2030 unless progress quadruples – warn WHO, UNICEF. 2021 [cited 2023; Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-07-2021-billions-of-people-will-lack-access-to-safe-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-2030-unless-progress-quadruples-warn-who-unicef.
- Kashiwase, S.D.a.H. SDG 6 on water and sanitation is essential for sustainable development. 2016 [cited 2023; Available from: https://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/sdg-6-water-and-sanitation-essential-sustainable-development.