TUCSON, ARIZ.—Noted green building expert, author, water crisis guru and sustainability planning consultant, Jerry Yudelson has released a three-part video series entitled “Water Wars” on his YouTube video channel.
The videos are based on Yudelson’s book, “Dry Run: Preventing the Next Urban Water Crisis,” which outlines how cities can prepare for a coming era of water scarcity throughout the United States and much of the world, brought about by global climate change, increasing urban populations and a growing “water footprint” from human activity.
The green building consultant spoke about the “Water Wars” videos, by saying, “What we are trying to accomplish with the video medium is a new way to reach large numbers of people, so they can develop an understanding about how to prevent future urban water crises, which have become annual events in parts of the United States.”
The videos consist of three parts: first, an introduction to the water supply problems facing us over the coming decade; second, a discussion about the importance of changing the way we build our homes, buildings and cities; and third, action steps people, institutions and political leaders can take right now to prevent future urban water crises in their community.
Fill ‘Needed Gap in Public Education’
“I’ve designed these videos,” said Yudelson, “to provide an understandable introduction to preventing future water crises, at a level that can promote community dialog about viable water futures. I find that much of the professional discussion about water issues is simply too complex for the average person to grasp. These videos fill a much needed gap in public education and are designed to spur people to action.”
Yudelson said, “With this larger audience in mind, I decided to take a creative approach with the videos. I wanted to avoid your typical talking-head piece. I decided to partner with a local artist, Jodi Netzer. I thought her creative perspective would perk up more ears and demonstrate how art, engineering and public policy can work together.”
The videos were produced by Netzer, a Tucson-based graphic designer, community arts organizer and performing artist, who has been the chief organizer of Tucson’s annual The Water Festival, at which Yudelson spoke this year. Netzer created “The Water Festival: Synergy of Art, Science, and Community,” and Yudelson says he believes that this title expresses how the three need to be linked to come up with creative solutions to persistent water challenges.
A professional water engineer and experienced sustainability consultant, Yudelson has been involved with promoting the LEED green building rating system and sustainable design for more than 15 years. He is the author of 12 books on the subject of green buildings, green homes, green marketing, water conservation and sustainable development. In 2011, the U.S. Green Building Council named him to the first class of LEED Fellows, in recognition of his efforts over many years to promote sustainable building practices, including water conservation.
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