This course combines an overview of the science behind water and climate in the Western United States with a survey of the major legal, political, and cultural issues focused on this precious resource. A free course (to audit) offered through the University of Colorado Boulder. Course credits are also available.

• Understand the unique aspects of water supply and demand issues in the western US and how water systems have adapted to them.
• Explain historical and scientific issues around water management in the western US.
• Recognize major sources of water supplies in the western US and the impact of individual “water footprints."
• Describe some of the ways in which scientists study research questions related to water and climate in the western US.

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Instructors: Eric Gordon, Former Managing Director, Western Water Assessment, and Anne Gold, Senior Associate Scientist and Director CIRES Education & Outreach Program.