Creating a Blue Dialogue webinar series

Webinar—Running Out of Steam? Emerging Challenges for the Water-Energy Nexus in B.C. and Beyond

Webinar Date and Time

Thursday, October 4th 2012
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET (9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PT)

This is the first webinar in the POLIS Water Sustainability Project's 2012/2013 Creating a Blue Dialogue webinar series. To view archived webinars from past seasons click here.

**SPACE IS LIMITED**
To register email Laura Brandes at communications@polisproject.org

Webinar Summary

Just as water produces energy, energy provides water services—this relationship is known as the water-energy nexus. As populations increase and climate changes, so too will our demand for water and energy resources, which threatens to push the limits of what our environment can sustain. To effectively address the water-energy nexus, clear and consistent water, energy, and climate policies are essential.

Offering a “sneak preview” of a forthcoming report on emerging challenges for the water-energy nexus in British Columbia (published by the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives), researchers Ben Parfitt (CCPA) and Jesse Baltutis (POLIS) will offer perspectives on current and emerging water and energy priorities and discuss recommended actions for more effective governance of water and energy resources. The webinar will explore “hot spots” across the province—through on-the-ground case studies that depict the challenges and potential opportunities relating to the water-energy nexus in B.C. Drawing on the B.C. situation, special guest Steven Weissman (Berkeley Law, University of California) will offer a response and insight based on his own research on water conservation and energy efficiency strategies in California.

Guest Speakers

Jesse Baltutis
Researcher & Water Policy and Governance Project Coordinator, POLIS Water Sustainability Project

Ben Parfitt
Resource Policy Analyst, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) & Research Associate, POLIS Water Sustainability Project

Steven Weissman
Director, Energy Program, Centre for Law, Energy & the Environment, Berkeley Law, University of California

Pre-Webinar Reading Material

National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. (2011, November 17). Charting A Course: Sustainable Water Use By Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors.

Parfitt, B. (2012, July 17). BC’s focus on liquefied natural gas makes no sense for climate or economy. The Vancouver Sun.

Parfitt, B. (2011). Fracking Up Our Water, Hydro Power and Climate. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Weissman, S. (2009). The California Public Utilities Commission’s Pilot Program to Exploit the Nexus of Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation. Global Business and Development Law Journal, 22(2), 257-284.

Upcoming Webinars

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming webinars! The focus of this year’s Creating a Blue Dialogue series is The Water-Energy Nexus and Water (and Watershed) Governance Reform. Future webinars will be taking place in:

• November 2012
• January 2013
• March 2013
• May 2013

Please contact Laura Brandes for further information.