Analysing change in transboundary freshwater agreements

The media and politicians have emphasised the risk of water wars between nations during the 21st century; while treaties and agreements are seen as a means of prevention, it is argued they may in themselves be a cause for conflict.

Research reveals that issues such as climate change and population growth impacting on water resources may not have been taken into account when such treaties were drawn up years ago.

Agreements may also have been incomplete–for instance, taking into account surface water but not ground water–or not implemented properly and therefore may be deemed unfair and unjust.

This project, by Hussam Hussein, aims to investigate how to design agreements that can adapt to changes linked to the environment but also social and political influences such as population growth and the arrival of refugees.

 It will also explore how agreements change and adapt to changes in the quality and quantity of water and towards a just allocation of water resources.