ASU ramps up water research: Future H2O

University’s water initiative, Future H2O, to focus on solutions, not scarcity

Arizona State University’s water initiative announced a sweeping new strategic plan this week. Spurning the typical narrative of scarcity, Future H2O will face a goal of abundant water for vibrant communities, economies and ecosystems.

“What we’re doing is building new partnerships,” director John Sabo said. “All of the proposals we make, we want to have a solution at the end of the pipeline.”

The initiative’s goals include becoming a hub for transdisciplinary water scholarship at ASU; creating a new research culture embracing all water issues; emerging as a national leader in externally funded solutions-oriented water research; expanding ASU’s engagement on water globally; engaging the private sector; improving access to and use of big data on water; and creating and promoting a water narrative focusing on positive change.

“There’s a lot of research out there that says we’re going to hell in a handbasket,” Sabo said. Here Sabo talks about the current state of water research and where the new plan is headed.

Question: Where is water research at ASU falling short, and what does the new strategic plan do to address those gaps?

Answer: I think we’re doing […]

Full article: ASU ramps up water research