Vulnerability of U.S. Water Supply to Climate Change

Webcast: tiny.utk.edu/TravisWarziniackEE

Large regions of the U.S. are facing increasing water scarcity – droughts are increasing in frequency and duration – with a high amount of uncertainty in future drought characteristics.

Dr. Travis Warziniack, research economist with the USDA Forest Service, will discuss his study on the trends in freshwater use and supply throughout the U.S. and their implications for future shortages due to socioeconomic and climate change. Dr. Warziniack’s research focuses on renewable freshwater, which includes surface and subsurface flows, and provide projections of freshwater supply and the likelihood of water shortage under future scenarios.

Dr. Warziniack studies the role nature plays in our lives – through personal connection, strong neighborhoods and vibrant economies – and ways we can make our communities more sustainable and our economics more resilient. In his position at USDA, he leads national assessments on water and climate. He has presented his work at the White House, for chambers of commerce and his son’s 5th grade class.