“Water security” is one of the most talked-about ideas in climate and sustainability today—but it doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.

​For some, it’s about access to safe, reliable water for human health and development. For others, it’s tied to national security, economic stability, or even geopolitical risk. And for many, it’s about protecting ecosystems and species in a rapidly changing climate. Despite its growing importance, there is no universally agreed-upon definition—only a broad framework put forward by the United Nations.

​In this lecture, we’ll unpack the competing meanings of water security and explore why this ambiguity matters. Drawing from perspectives across policy, environmental science, and global development, we’ll examine how different interpretations shape priorities, investments, and real-world outcomes—from urban infrastructure to international relations.

​Designed for a broad, intellectually curious audience, this session will help attendees make sense of a term that is increasingly central to climate conversations—but often poorly understood.

​The event will follow the Sip and Scholar lecture night format: a 45 minute expert-led lecture followed by audience Q&A and discussion.

​Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what “water security” actually means, why it’s so contested, and how the way we define it ultimately shapes the solutions we pursue.

​About the Host: Sip and Scholar is a Toronto-based lecture series that brings professors, experts, and storytellers into bars for curated, 45 minute talks. Designed as a “smart night out,” the series creates space for intellectually curious people to engage with big ideas in a relaxed, social setting. Since launching a year ago, it has built a fast-growing community of attendees looking for more meaningful, in-person experiences beyond the typical night out.