Water is one of the most critical resources for sustaining life, agriculture, and economic development. Challenges such as scarcity, pollution, climate change, and equitable distribution continue to threaten water security worldwide and right here in Nebraska.
This symposium will begin with an overview of global water issues. Then, the focus will move to a more regional approach, with presentations and discussions exploring such topics as groundwater depletion, agricultural runoff, and the sustainability of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Experts will examine policies, conservation strategies, and scientific advancements aimed at securing water resources for future generations. This event is essential for researchers, farmers, policy makers, and anyone concerned about water’s role in shaping the future of our environment and economy.
Speakers:
Jaehyang So
Jaehyang (“Jae”) So is the chair of the TEC (Technical Committee) and member of the Steering Committee of the Global Water Partnership, a global action network with over 2,800 partner organizations in 179 countries working towards a water secure world.
Deborah Bathke, Ph.D.
Deborah Bathke is a climate scientist, research associate professor at UNL, and Nebraska's state climatologist since 2024.
Chittaranjan Ray, Ph.D.
Chittaranjan Ray joined the leadership team of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute as permanent director of the Nebraska Water Center in 2013. He was a professor of civil engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he was also interim director of the Water Resources Research Center.
Anthony Schutz, J.D.
Anthony Schutz is the Associate Dean for Faculty and the Virginia Schmid Foundation Professor of Agricultural Law at UNL. He has been with the law school for the last 25 years.
Kathleen Cameron
Kathleen Cameron is a survey hydrogeologist and the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources assessment coordinator at the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District in Lincoln. She has also been a professional geologist since 2005.
Ethan Freese
Ethan Freese is a producer and photographer at the School of Natural Resources at UNL. He is the producer of the Platte Basin Timelapse project and is also passionate about prairie conservation.
Dan Snow
Dan Snow is a research professor in the School of Natural Resources, and director of laboratory services of the UNL Water Sciences Laboratory.
Marty Stange
Marty Stange recently retired after working 36 years as the environmental supervisor at Hastings Utilities in Hastings, Nebraska.
Agenda:
8:30 am - Doors Open
9:00 am - Welcome
9:15 am – Water 2.0 by Jaehyang So
10:00 am - Questions and Answers
10:10 am - Break
10:20 am – Understanding & Assessing Climate Change: Preparing for Nebraska’s Future by Deborah Bathke
11:05 am - Questions and Answers
11:15 am – Lunch Break
12:00 pm – Nebraska Water Issues – Panel by Dr. Chittaranjan Ray, Katie Cameron, Dan Snow, Marty Stange, Anthony Schutz
1:15 pm - Break
1:25 pm – Platte Basin Timelapse Project by Ethan Freese
2:10 pm – Questions and Answers
2:20 pm - Closing Remarks – Conclusion