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The Basis of Civilization – Edited by John C. Rodda & Lucio Ubertini IAHS Publ. 286 (July 2004) ISBN 1-901502-57-0, 342 + x pp. Price £58.50 |
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The Trevi fountain in Rome by Marco Mercuri, reproduced with permission. Selected edited papers from the international symposium held in Rome (December 2003), which addresses the theme from different angles to provide a fascinating collection that will broaden the perspectives of all involved in hydrology. |
The past provides considerable evidence of the influence of water on the development of civilizations and scientific advances involving water have been central to progress
Abstracts of the papers in this volume can be seen at:
with information about other IAHS publications and IAHS activities |
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In his introduction Jim Dooge explores the linkages between hydrology and society throughout history and outlines the slow development of water technology and the even slower development of water science. Other authors provide specific examples of the rise of the understanding of water science, including historical meadow irrigation in Europe, water management in central Italy from ancient times, water supply and the development of Hong Kong from the 1850s. The impact of water resources development and management on society is discussed from political, economic and cultural viewpoints. The approaches to risk and conflict involving water are considered in detail: intellectual and philosophical inspiration, and discursive politics in the changing role of risk awareness are central to any analysis of how future water policy-making will be made. Issues of governance, past and present, are also reviewed. One section includes contributions from the UN (how the success of the UN International Year of Freshwater, 2003 was achieved); FAO (its role in water and food security), and IAEA (its significant on-going contribution to isotope hydrology). |
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