Newsletter UNESCO - UDLAP Chair 12

Number 12 · July-September 2019

UNESCO CHAIR ON

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

Number 12 · July-September 2019

CHAIR MEMBERS Director Polioptro F. Martínez Austria

UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

CONTENTS

udlap

MEMBERS Víctor Hugo Alcocer Yamanaka Comisión Nacional del Agua

Erick R. Bandala González

Desert Research Institute, EE. UU.

Benito Corona Vázquez

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Conference: «Climate Change: Drought, Fires, Water Scarcity, and Pollution»

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2nd Student Seminar on Climate Change

udlap

Johanness Cullmann

World Meteorological Organization Geneva

Carlos Díaz Delgado

Instituto Interamericano de Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua

Carlos Escalante

CONFERENCE:

Facultad de Ingeniería, unam

Matthew Larsen

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, EE. UU.

Humberto Marengo Mogollón Instituto de Ingeniería, unam

Einar Moreno Quezada udlap

Carlos Patiño Gómez udlap Consultant

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PhD in Water Sciences

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Recent Publication: Water Security in Mexico

Sofía Ramos

University of Arizona. EE. UU.

«Climate Change: DROUGHT, FIRES, WATER SCARCITY, AND POLLUTION»

Consultant

José D. Salas

Colorado State University, EE. UU.

Jim Thomas

Desert Research Institute, EE. UU.

Juan Valdes

University of Arizona, EE. UU.

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http://www.udlap.mx/catedraunesco/

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International Seminar on Climate Change and Hydrometeorological Risks

n important component of the activities performed by the UNESCO Chairs is the dissemination of knowledge related to the corresponding fields of study, exerting influence not only on the communication among experts but also on the general public. Within this framework, Dr. Polioptro F. Martínez Austria, chairholder of the unesco Chair on Hydrometeorological Risks, delivered the “Climate Change: Drought, Fires, Water Scarcity and Pollution” lecture at the UDLAP Jenkins Graduate School in Mexico City, Mexico, addressing the issues relevant to a community that recently faced an environmental contingency because of large wildfires.

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José Ángel Raynal Villaseñor

AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY THE UNESCO CHAIRS IS THE DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO THE CORRESPONDING FIELDS OF STUDY

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Number 12 ¡ July-September 2019

During the conference, the speaker presented data illustrating the severity and impact of climate-related natural disasters by specially emphasizing on droughts and clarified the socio-natural nature of the hydrometeorological risks, detailing the manner in which exposure and vulnerability increased because of climate change.

An analysis of the rainfall trends in Mexico exhibited a 50% deficit for the entire country, with some areas already exhibiting moderate-to-severe drought conditions for the considered date. In addition, the conference also addressed the relation between low rainfall and wildfires, especially widespread this year in Mexico, forcing, for the first time ever, environmental contingency measures in some of the most populated cities of the country, including Mexico City and Puebla.

UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

Another topic discussed during the conference was the occurrence of heat waves. The studies conducted by the unesco Chair supported the observed trends, which presented significant increases in the maximum temperatures of northern Mexican cities, for conducting future forecasts.

At the end, the speaker made special emphasis on the dangers to human health and ecosystems posed by heat waves.

The conference was broadcast live on the udlap Jenkins Graduate School sites and recorded a viewership of more than 700 participants. Furthermore, the event was covered by some of the most important Mexican newspapers as well as television channels and news agencies. This broadcast is expected to increase public awareness about hydrometeorological risks.

PH D IN

WATER SCIENCES

AN ANALYSIS OF THE RAINFALL TRENDS IN MEXICO EXHIBITED A 50% DEFICIT FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY, WITH SOME AREAS ALREADY EXHIBITING MODERATE-TO-SEVERE DROUGHT CONDITIONS FOR THE CONSIDERED DATE.

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POPULATION GROWTH, URBANIZATION, CHANGES IN DIET AND GROWING ENERGY DEMAND, COUPLED WITH THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, POSE MAJOR WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES.

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opulation growth, urbanization, changes in diet and growing energy demand, coupled with the effects of climate change, pose major water security challenges.

In this scenario, innovative solutions are essential, based on applied research, as well as the training of human resources with knowledge and skills in the different fields of knowledge of Technology and Water Sciences.

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Number 12 · July-September 2019

UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

The udlap’s Water Science and Technology group provides solutions to water problems in a national and international context, in two main lines of action: - Modeling of Hydraulic Systems and Hydrological Processes - Water Treatment and Quality As a fundamental part of its activities, the Doctorate in Water Sciences is developed in coordination with the unesco Chair in Hydrometeorological Risks. Graduates of the Doctorate are distinguished by the domain of avant-garde knowledge in the field and line of research they develop and, in particular, by their ability to generate new knowledge, for technological development and innovation to solve the problem in the water sector, which is useful and social impact.

In addition to research seminars and theses, which cover aspects such as design of experiments, preparation of protocols and research projects, preparation and publication of scientific articles or research ethics, among others, students receive comprehensive training in fields of knowledge of quality and water treatment, hydrology and water resources management, which makes a difference with most doctorates, which offer a disciplinary focus. The formative courses include:

Physicochemical principles

Biological principles

Hydrology

River hydraulics

Environmental impact

Conventional water treatment

Physical hydrology Advanced water treatment

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Environmental hydraulics Hydraulic systems modeling

SOME OF THE TOPICS OF DOCTORAL RESEARCH IN PROCESS ARE CURRENTLY THE FOLLOWING: • Dynamic modeling of drinking water systems • Dynamic modeling of watersheds • Analysis of climate change trends and global climate indices • Water security • Geographic Information Systems in basins • Drought analysis • Warning systems for extreme events • Removal of emerging contaminants,

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Analysis of precipitation trends in the Mixteca region in Mexico.

nanofiltration and photocatalysis • Advanced treatment systems for industrial effluents

The doctorate, in order to ensure the attention and tpreparation of students, receives a maximum of five students annually.

The faculty of doctorate includes twelve doctors, fulltime professors, as well as external guest lecturers of recognized prestige.

The doctorate in water sciences has received the recognition of excellence from the National Council of Science and Technology, with which students have access to a maintenance scholarship granted by that institution.

Digital model of lifting a basin. GIS applications in water management.

Dr. Juan Valdés (University of Arizona), invited professor at a doctoral seminar.

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Number 12 ¡ July-September 2019

UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

International Seminar on

CLIMATE CHANGE AND HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS PLACE:

Universidad de las AmĂŠricas Puebla

DATE:

November 7 and 8, 2019

OBJECTIVE:

Gather specialists in hydrometeorological risks and climate change

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he unesco Chair on Hydrometeorological Risks will conduct the International Seminar on Climate Change and Hydrometeorological Risks on November 7 and 8, 2019, at the University of the Americas at Puebla, Chair headquarters.

This seminar intends to bring together authorities on hydrometeorological risks and climate change to discuss the current state of knowledge and perspectives of this topic, especially for the Latin American and Caribbean region. This seminar is planned as a meeting of experts, expecting participation from no more than twelve featured speakers, who will each conduct a lecture for one hour, including time for questions and analysis.

Thus far, the Chair members and specialists from various universities and centers, such as the Desert Research Institute of the United States, the Center for the Study of Climate Change and Variability at the National University of the Littoral in Argentina, the Center of Atmospheric Sciences at unam, the Inter-American Institute of Technology and Water Sciences at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, and the Institute of Engineering at unam, in addition to the researchers from the University of the Americas at Puebla, have been confirmed.

The featured speakers will address topics such as the hydrometeorological risks in Mexico, the hydrometeorological risks in Latin America and the Caribbean region, climate-related natural disasters, observed climate trends, water security and climate change, droughts and climate change, and case studies.

NOTE THAT ADMISSION TO THE SEMINAR IS FREE BUT NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED. THEREFORE, PEOPLE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING ARE INVITED TO REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT

polioptro.martinez@udlap.mx and visit www.udlap.mx/catedraunesco for updates on event preparation

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Number 12 ¡ July-September 2019

UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

Presentation at the Student Seminar on Climate Change.

THIS COURSE COVERED THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: 1

INTRODUCTION: AN OVERVIEW OF CLIMATE CHANGE

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CLIMATE CHANGE Natural Mechanisms Antrophogenic mechanisms for Climate Change The Greenhouse Effect Greenhouse Gases Greenhouse Gas Production: Current and Past

2ND STUDENT SEMINAR on Climate Change s part of the human resource training activities of the unesco Chair on Hydrometeorological Risks, a special course was facilitated for the undergraduate students at the University of the Americas at Puebla, which concluded with a Student Seminar on Climate Change.

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43 students participated and topics such as: the impact of climate change on agriculture were addressed.

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ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE Risks Vulnerability Adaptation Measures for the Water Sector Adaptation Measures for the Agricultural Sector Adaptation Measures in Urban Areas Adaptation to Climate Change and Governance

CLIMATE CHANGE MODELS AND SCENARIOS Circulation Models used in Climate Change Models Model Strengths and Weaknesses Climate Change Scenarios Overview of the Expected Climate Change Effects

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Climate Variability and Extremes Impacts on Water Quality

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS Impacts on Temperature Impacts on Rainfall Impacts on Water Availability

During the final seminar conducted on May 7 and 9, the participants submitted a written abstract of their studies and an oral presentation. With participation from 43 students, the seminar addressed topics such as the impact of climate change on agriculture, analysis of the precipitation trends at the northwest coast of Mexico, climate change impacts on water availability, adaptation measures in the Mexican region of lagoons, climate change effects in France, and social, economic, and political changes in Western Europe.

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Number 12 · July-September 2019

UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

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he unesco Chair on Hydrometeorological Risks studies the effects of hydrometeorological disasters on water security. Within this context, Polioptro F. Martínez Austria, Carlos Diaz Delgado (members of the unesco Chair), and Gabriela Moeller Chávez recently published an article entitled “Water Security in Mexico: General Diagnosis and Main Challenges” in the Ingeniería del Agua journal, jointly issued by the International Water Association and the Universitat Politécnica de Valencia. This study assesses the current situation of water resources in Mexico using the water security as the framework for conducting analysis and focusing on the main challenges that are faced by the country in this regard.

The study suggests that Mexican water policies must strategically focus on water security and that this normative principle must be used to assess the current situation of the water resources, in terms of quality and quantity, as well as practical water management. This text presents a general diagnosis of the water security in Mexico as well as the main challenges faced by it currently and in the future. In addition, the authors discuss water availability and scarcity, aquifer conditions, surface and underground water quality, and water uses using a territorial approach. In addition, this study investigates the main challenges related to water security and the trends in the most relevant modeling forces. To address these issues, this study proposes specific actions and, as a general conclusion, suggests the need for a water reform in Mexico.

RECENT PUBLICATION:

As part of the conclusions, the authors argue that a profound reform of the water sector is required in Mexico despite the advances in supply infrastructure, water treatment, and risk reduction. This reform must include legal and institutional governance matters, sector funding, training of human resources, and new environment-friendly projects. Further, it must amend current public policies, which, despite the investments, have not been able to stop and reverse the trends leading to low water security in Mexico. Even though this reform must be publicly discussed and agreed, some necessary and urgent measures may be put forth. The future scenarios, as described in this text in terms of the challenges faced by water security, indicate that water scarcity and the deterioration of water resources will increase if urgent measures are not undertaken.

WATER SECURITY IN MEXICO 12

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Number 12 · July-September 2019

The monitoring network must be expanded both in terms of quantity and quality to improve the conservation of hydrological systems (basins and aquifers); more importantly, this information must be used in decision making. The regulations related to wastewater discharge and treatment must be urgently reviewed because the quality of water bodies has not improved despite an increase in the number of treatment plants.

Therefore, better water quality indicators are required.

Thus, it is imperative to review, enhance, and foster public participation in decision making. For these purposes, the information on Mexican water resources must be readily available to all the users, with an appropriate level of dissemination.

Regarding the supply and sanitation of drinking water, the tariff and subsidy policies must be urgently re-

UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

viewed because current policies have led majority of the operating agencies to a precarious situation in which operating costs are barely covered and funding for expansion and conservation works is non-existing. Specifically, the authors stress the absence of an independent and autonomous government entity, which may regulate, audit, and oversee the water supply and sanitation services, with enough powers to condition the municipality funding for ensuring strict compliance with the performance indicators in terms of quality and quantity as well as transparency and accountability. Because water has not been efficiently used in agriculture, one of the most important challenges facing the country is to increase food production by reducing the over-exploitation of water bodies, which can be achieved by introducing appropriate water reusing technologies, training, and considerable control of irrigation allowances.

Expected Changes in Precipitation. RCP Scenario 6.0 2075-2099 (Martínez Austria, Díaz Delgado and Moeller Chávez, 2019)

REFERENCES Martínez-Austria, P., Díaz-Delgado, C. y Moeller-Chavez, G. (2019) Water Security in Mexico: General Diagnosis and Main Challenges.

Ingeniería del Agua. Vol. 23, 107-121.

Doi: https://doi.org/10.4995/ia.2019.10582 eISSN 1886-4996 ISSN 1134-2196

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THE SPANISH VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BE VIEWED AT: https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/IA/article/ view/10502

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BOLETÍN DE LA CÁTEDRA UNESCO EN RIESGOS HIDROMETEOROLÓGICOS NEWSLETTER OF THE UNESCO CHAIR ON HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL RISKS

EDITORIAL COORDINATIONS

Editor

Polioptro F. Martínez Austria

Style correction

Aldo Chiquini Zamora Andrea Garza Carbajal

Editorial design

Andrea Monserrat Flores Santaella

The unesco Chair on Hydrometerological Risks Newsletter is a quarterly publication which reports on the activities of the Chair and its members, unesco news related to it, as well as general information on disasters and hydrometeorological risks. It is elaborated by the Universidad de las Américas Puebla. Ex hacienda Sta. Catarina Martir s/n. C. P. 72810, San Andres Cholula, Mexico.

The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the opinions contained in this newsletter. Likewise, of the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization.

www.udlap.mx/catedraunesco polioptro.martinez@udlap.mx