Prof. Michelle van Vliet (Copernicus Institute, University of Utrecht, Netherlands)
Quality matters in the water nexus
In this presentation I will give an overview of current work that we are doing in our research group focusing on water quality and sustainable water systems at Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences. Results of a selection of recent studies will be presented regarding the topics: 1) water quality trends and spatial patterns, 2) global water scarcity 3) solutions towards clean water provision and water scarcity alleviation; and 4) mutual feedbacks between water (availability and quality) with energy and food systems. In addition, I will briefly present the overall scope, aims and some work in progress of two projects funded by an NWO VIDI grant and ERC Starting Grant project (B-WEX; Balancing clean Water and Energy provision under changing climate and eXtremes), which will run in the coming 4 years.