Talks and shows

Solving the world's water crisis

Join acclaimed environmental journalist Tim Smedley for an enlightening exploration of the impending global water crisis.

a droplet of water bounces out of some water, creating ripples.
david becker via unsplash

With rivers drying and ancient lakes disappearing a true global water crisis is on our horizon.

Join acclaimed environmental journalist Tim Smedley for an exploration into this impending situation, and understand the consequence for the 4 billion people already facing severe water scarcity.

Tim unveils the alarming consequences of human mismanagement and the added impact of the climate crisis on the water cycle, resulting in longer droughts and more intense flooding. Journey across the world from Jordan to Ghana, the USA and England and witness the effects of this crisis. And as the world's population continues to grow, learn how urgent changes are required in water usage and management to ensure ecological and human survival.

Tim will offer us a glimmer of hope in this seemingly bleak situation, exploring a multitude of solutions, including groundwater replenishment, regenerative agriculture, wastewater recycling, sustainable urban drainage systems, and more. These remedies require not only technological advancements but also good governance and sustained political will.

We may be standing on the brink of crisis, but this timely and thought-provoking talk will help shed light on what we can do in the face of water scarcity and the changes we need to make for our future.

Copies of Tim’s latest book ‘The Last Drop: Solving the World's Water Crisisare available to purchase from Amazon and all good bookstores.

Event type

This is a livestream event where the speaker and audience come together online. 

You will have priority access to the recorded video for two weeks after the event has taken place.

For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or visit our FAQs page. Please use the event link you have been provided with.  

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. 

About Tim Smedley

a man is smiling

Tim Smedley is an award-winning environmental journalist who has written extensively for The Guardian, the BBC, The Sunday Times and the Financial Times. Following a decade working in London as a business journalist-turned-freelance environmental writer, Tim relocated to Oxfordshire and directed his focus to air pollution after witnessing the effects firsthand. His first book, 'Clearing the Air', about the global effects of air pollution, published in March 2019, was shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Event terms and conditions

The Royal Institution is part of the Amazon Affiliate Programme, and book links on this page may be affiliate links.

It won't cost you any extra, but as an Amazon Affiliate, the Ri will earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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