New Work

The Energy-Water Nexus in China, the E.U., India, and the U.S.

Increasingly limited water supplies are becoming a major resource constraint that should be recognized in resource selection by power planners. The study will identify policies that could minimize water and energy conflicts, as well as the production of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from power production. A key aspect of the research is to identify policies that provide flexibility for adaptation given future uncertainties. The primary audience includes electricity and water providers and regulators. 

Estimating the Future Environmental Impacts from Shale Gas Development

The purpose of this project is to inform the public debate concerning fracking by providing a comprehensive, long-term environmental impact assessment of natural gas fracking using a geospatial approach. A related purpose is to test policies for their ability to mitigate potential environmental impacts and bring the results into regulatory discussions, thereby supporting environmentally sound extraction policies and practices.

The Security Implications of New Dams on Asia’s Rivers

About twenty percent of the world’s population lives in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan (HKH) Mountains and river basins. Eight countries in the area are experiencing or approaching water scarcity. China is planning many new dams in the HKH for water supply and hydropower. The reduction in water in the international rivers could pose economic and security risks downstream. The research includes hydrological analysis, policy and political analysis, and identification of possible responses by regional governments and aid agencies.