Assignment 1 ENST 3022 Emma Keary

GEOG/ENST 3022. Integrated Resource and Environmental Management [Evaluation of the GRAND diversion Water Export] Submitted by [Emma Keary, 101147039] Section 1. Introduction 1.0 Purpose of the Project Purpose of the Project Assessment The purpose of the GRAND diversion assessment is to create a “continental water management complex” that will divert more than 60% of Hudson’s Bay freshwater annually to comply with the rights and obligations set under the UN 2010 Resolution to address the ongoing global issue on water scarcity and security. Context of the Project Projects that focus on water security on dominantly along a widespread global platform, however, the Grand diversion project is localized with strong social constructs in North America. Since the post-WWII era, there has been a larger focus on sustainability, where governmental officials regulated massive water diversion projects for hydroelectric purposes. Society has continued to move forward on this path of sustainability when drought-ridden regions were in sudden declining water security. Extending the water diversion project not only secures everyone has adequate access to water but complies with the UN 2010 resolution that details the right to potable water and security. The demand for further development on this current project is often distinguished because of the effect of water scarcity on other regions. Society works on water diversion methods to accommodate for the most drought- ridden areas in North America, while also building relations with each country through cooperation. Potential Influencing Factors to be Considered in the Proposed Assessment Category/Facto r Possible Factors/Issues Political The Political factors of the project assessment are defined through the natural principles, however dominantly by Canada, with assistance from the United States in relation to Canada’s interpretation of the status of available water and current policies and guidelines.  One of the natural principles of water currently, is the repeatedly increasing global issue of water scarcity and security.  The process of water exportation has set authorizes, which apply to the Canadian federal government, that dictate the ability to export to other provinces and countries.  The United States political matter becomes a necessity for water import more than ever because drought levels severity has affected more than 60% of the total country. Economic Economic factors that are considered in the proposed 1

assessment of the Grand diversion project as positive and both negative attributes.  It is estimated that this project in revenue from the process of exportation can bring in anywhere from $8 -$16 billion dollars.  Not only would the revenues from water export be significant and sustainable it also works in the relationship that Canada, the United States, and Mexico continuously develop.  this project sees an initial cost of implementation spanning the course of the next 30 years that could cost anywhere from $100-$200 billion dollars. Social The social implications involved in this current assessment apply to the everchanging nature, and unrelated political and environmental issues.  One Influencing social factor in the assessment is the change in social situations in the region. As this project is focusing on the environmental implications, unlike previous projects that focus on similar implications aimed to support the indigenous. As a result, we could see some unfortunate circumstances revolving around social and cultural ties.  Some also believe that they could be confronted by several people who clearly disagree with the addition of hydroelectricity and damming. Environmental As environmental factors are often emphasized in the current assessment, we acknowledge the impacts made on the ecosystems.  There is a profound impact on the watershed ecosystems. Table 1.0.1. Potential influencing factors to be considered in the Assessment. Factors/Issues to be excluded from the Proposed Assessment Category/Facto r Possible Factors/Issues + Explanation why Political Political factors that are often excluded in the scope of the assessment show different relations.  The Sovereignty limits apply because there is a connection between three countries and the assurance that there is no assessment outside of their own region, as well as the indigenous as closer to the north we go, the larger community of indigenous we get. Economic Economic factors that are excluded from the current assessment of the GRAND diversion project often relate to the implementation of the status of the project.  We learn the overall cost of the project in the upcoming years, but what is not disclosed is the method of whether we will see a rise in taxes, or if the government had room in the budget to accommodate. Social Social factors and issues excluded relate to the impact of the surrounding communities, and specifically the indigenous within. 2