January to April 2026 Edition
Closing Keynote
Summary by Lisa Reymann, Department of Ecology
The final keynote address was given by Dr. Hannah Hämmerli, Assistant Professor in the School of the Environment at Washington State University (WSU). Her research is focused on environmental governance and policy, with a particular emphasis on water-related challenges.
The final session focused on the connections between water supply, governance, and social dynamics, emphasizing that water challenges are shaped as much by institutions and behavior as by physical conditions. Dr. Hämmerli highlighted how rising temperatures, population growth, and shifting political and technological systems are increasing stresses on water resources and the need to consider social factors in water management.
She emphasized that many water issues are fundamentally governance challenges, noting that conflicts often stem from institutional and political conditions rather than scarcity alone. Examples from dam removal research illustrated how differing values, historical context, and stakeholder dynamics influence outcomes, and how inclusive, trust‑based governance can help address these conflicts.
Dr. Hämmerli also discussed how hydropower development reflects similar tensions, underscoring that technological innovation must be paired with improvements in governance frameworks. She concluded by describing “blue peace” approaches, which use water cooperation to promote stability and shared benefits across communities and borders. Her remarks emphasized that adaptive, collaborative governance can support resilience as water challenges continue to evolve.
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