1. A FEW THOUGHTS Ronald Stewart CHANGE Workshop Mexico City, D.F. March 6, 2009

2. Overall What do we want to do? Where are we? How to get from where we are to where we want to be?

3. FROM OUR PAMPHLET … The CHANGE workshop is a first step towards … creating a knowledge exchange (research) network between academic researchers and experts from non-governmental organizations Knowledge … will be communicated to policy- makers working on issues related to … Explicit goal … to foster cross-border cooperation to enhance the use of climate and hydrologic research and better inform North American water policy challenges

4. SITUATION … Many water-related issues (not just a few) Various levels of policy-making University scope not necessarily the same in each country Trust is required …

5. RESEARCH ISSUES How much water is there, how much will there be, how well do we know these numbers, and how can we reduce these uncertainties? What is the best way to cope/exploit this insight now and in the future? How to work with and communicate to policy- makers?

6. COOPERATION Some aspects of cooperation may be fostered through: Common: elements, threats, opportunities Unique: elements, threats, opportunities

7. COMMON … Cooperation can sometimes be easier if there are common factors Water-stresses Drought, variability Climate change Remote sensing Global programs (GEO … Data products (NADM … Access to information (Google … …

8. UNIQUE … Cooperation may be possible by ‘listening to’ the experiences of others regarding water- related issues and gaining ideas to address one’s own issues. ‘case studies’ from different countries ‘case studies’ across borders …

9. CHANGE To what extent are water-related issues being handled by other efforts in North America? Is there a niche for an academic-led effort?