CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Vulnerability of 21st Century Water Resources in the Eastern US
Brent YarnalDepartment of Geography &
Center for Integrated Regional AssessmentPenn State
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Vulnerability of 21st Century Water Resources in the Eastern US
Geographical context Future stresses Vulnerability analysis Future vulnerability of
water resources Vulnerability & future
water policy
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Geographical context
Humid climate Large population Diverse human landscape
– Culturally– Economically– Politically
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Geographical context
Humid climate Large population Diverse human landscape
– Culturally– Economically– Politically
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Geographical context
Humid climate Large population Diverse human landscape
– Culturally– Economically– Politically
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Geographical context
Humid climate Large population Diverse human landscape
– Culturally– Economically– Politically
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Geographical context
Humid climate Large population Diverse human landscape
– Culturally– Economically– Politically
CENTER FOR INTEGRATED REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
Future stresses
Shifting populations Changing economies Aging infrastructure Increasing regulation Changing climate
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Vulnerability analysis
Definition of vulnerability Dimensions of vulnerability
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Definition of vulnerability
The likelihood of harm to people and to the places and things they value
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Dimensions of vulnerability
Exposure Sensitivity Adaptive capacity
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Basics of the bullseye
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Future vulnerability of water resources Future climate Future human system
– Population
– Economy
– Built environment
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Vulnerability & future water policy Policy makers must
address: – Changing climate– Changing population– Changing economy– Aging infrastructure
