Water Science and Policy
Good science is essential for good policy.
The partnership between IISD’s Water Program and IISD-ELA brings together more than 40 years of rigorous aquatic science with 25 years of global policy analysis and practical guidance. Our combined expertise in hydrology, modelling, biology, limnology, ecosystem services and policy is directed at helping governments and industry to manage water and related resources in such diverse contexts as agriculture, hydro-electric operations and mining, to minimize effects on people and ecosystems.
With the best available science and collaborative analyses, our water solutions are evidence based, long term and meet the needs of a range of stakeholders.
- Blog
We Must Study Marijuana's Impact on the Environment Before It's Too Late
How could marijuana impact freshwater supplies? The focus on human health with Canada’s legalization has highlighted the lack of discussion on the potential environmental effects.
Read More - Blog
Freshwater Lakes’ Pollution Problems Go Beyond Plastics
Focusing solely on plastic pollution ignores the myriad problems — from algae to pollution — that plague our lakes
Read More - Report
From Canada’s Lakes to the World: IISD Experimental Lakes Area Annual Report 2017-2018
In this year's IISD-ELA annual report, we explore the impact that our research has had on the world’s fresh water over the last 50 years, what the future holds, and how we are celebrating our half century.
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Using Technology to Solve Today's Water Challenges
Eight case studies of organizations using innovative technologies to make better decisions regarding the protection of our fresh water.
Read More - Commentary
City Voters Should Keep Lake Winnipeg in Mind
Unfortunately, sewage treatment infrastructure doesn’t tend to rank among the most popular of campaign topics in Canadian elections.
Read More - Report
How The World is Using New Technologies for a Sustainable Planet
Across the globe, innovations from the Internet of Things to Artificial Intelligence are building a sustainable future for all. This beautiful storybook takes you through just a few examples.
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Water Transfers: What they are and why they need to be better managed
One of the most ambitious responses to the unequal distribution of water around the globe is the large-scale physical transfers of water from one source or basin to another—otherwise known as water transfers. We explore why they happen and how we can manage them better.
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Harnessing the Flow of Data: Fintech opportunities for ecosystem management
This report explores how new technologies—like big data, the Internet of things, blockchain and artificial intelligence—can support smarter ecosystem management.
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High-tech data needed to stop sewage overflows
Financial sector technology could help as cities struggle with waste.
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Floating Treatment Wetlands: Keeping our fresh water clean and healthy
This short, engaging storybook takes you through what Floating Treatment Wetlands are, and how they could really help us keep bodies of fresh water clean and healthy.
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