This season of droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires has shone a light on a growing vulnerability: the security of our water resources.
Following the Stockholm World Water Week that took place last month and an upcoming UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi later this year, this episode explores questions around how climate change and growing demand are reshaping global water security. It considers: Where is water becoming a source or a tool of geopolitical tension? Is the international system equipped to manage these pressures? What can be done about it?
To find out, Bhargabi and Beatrice Mosello speak to Susanne Schmeier, Professor of Water Cooperation, Law and Diplomacy at IHE Delft and Utrecht University, and David Michel, Senior Associate (non-resident) at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
Read more expert commentary on this topic here:
The world is far off meeting its growing water needs. Can the UN still lead the response?
Europe’s summer of fires: Burnham must centre climate adaptation in policies
About The Climate Briefing
The Climate Briefing explores key themes in the UN climate negotiations and international climate politics. The podcast is hosted by Bhargabi Bharadwaj from Chatham House and features interviewees from governments, international organizations, academia and civil society organizations from across the world.
You can also listen to The Climate Briefing on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Explore our other Chatham House podcasts. For more on the climate, listen to Independent Thinking’s recent episode on: The summer of ’26: A turning point for the climate crisis?