Global Agriculture

Groundwater and the fight against climate change

26 October 2021, China: In this year’s China Institute Li Siguang Distinguished Lecture, Professor Yan Zheng, from Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) will explore how groundwater can ensure that our water supply survives the threat of climate change.

A global expert, Professor Zheng will deliver her talk ‘Enhancing Groundwater Sustainability for Climate Resilience’ at 1300 BST on Thursday, 28 October 2021 – streaming live across YouTube and Facebook.

Registration for the event is free and the lecture will also be available on the University of Birmingham’s WeChat account.

Professor Zheng, Chair Professor in the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at SUSTech, will explore how water in natural underground aquifers can help to secure precious water supplies.

The talk will be followed by a panel discussion involving Professor Zheng and chaired by Professor Iseult Lynch, Professor of Environmental Nanosciences at the University of Birmingham. A range of speakers will join Professor Zheng on the panel:

  • Professor Stefan Krause, Professor of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry – University of Birmingham;
  • Dr Shirley Ye, Lecturer in Asian History – University of Birmingham; and
  • Dr Mike Jones – Water Resources Modelling Lead, Thames Water.

Professor Zheng commented: “Groundwater is invisible so it is easily forgotten. It is key to our water supply and food security. It buffers the humanities against multi-faceted impacts of climate change.”

Professor Jon Frampton, China Institute Director, commented: “On the eve of world leaders gathering at COP26 in Glasgow to discuss the environmental challenges facing our planet, we’re looking forward to hearing Professor Zheng’s exploration of the important role that groundwater can play in securing precious water supplies.

“The University of Birmingham has long-established and valued links with China and we are proud of our growing reputation in China, both for delivering high-quality education and establishing research partnerships with a global impact.”