The Environmental Forum

A major thrust of our new strategic direction is The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread Environmental Forum – a series of conferences we will convene in coming years to take up varied environmental challenges that demand fresh thinking and new solutions.

Freshwater Forum

The inaugural Forum, launched in early 2009, is focused on how government, business and institutions can more effectively manage the looming crisis that threatens our nation’s freshwater resources and systems and the health of our communities. Our Freshwater Forum featured leading national experts in a set of conferences discussing critical dimensions of freshwater issues, including the intersection of water quality and supply with agriculture, development, municipal water and wastewater services and industrial uses.

These conferences set the stage for The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread Freshwater Summit held on June 8th and 9th, 2010, in which leaders in business, government and not-for-profits were asked to develop a national call-to-action and a set of key water initiatives. Specifically, participants included senior level representatives from Mars Incorporated, Diversey, Inc.,  Kohler Co., U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the White House Council of Environmental Quality, Pacific Institute, World Wildlife Fund and Iowa Soybean Association. In total more than 25 leaders convened at Wingspread to discuss the challenges, opportunities and solutions to addressing the nation’s freshwater crisis. Over the summer months, the groups’ collective thoughts will be compiled into a National Call to Action that they will deliver to the Administration and Congress in September. Please continue to visit The Johnson Foundation’s website for updates. 

See images from the 2010 Freshwater Summit

Below is information regarding the Freshwater Forum conferences held prior to the National Summit:

Impacts of Climate Change on Freshwater Resources and Services

The first conference of our Freshwater Forum, “Impacts of Climate Change on Freshwater Resources and Services,” (March 17 – 18, 2009) focused on understanding the science and expertise available to help us understand the intersection of climate change and its impact on freshwater resources. Participants explored our understanding of the challenges facing our freshwater resources and how climate change does or does not exacerbate these resources. The outcomes of the first working session informed the Foundation’s decision regarding which freshwater issues are particularly urgent and ripe for our nation’s leaders to address in the coming years.

Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Infrastructure and the Built Environment

The second Forum conference, “Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Infrastructure and the Built Environment,” (May 20 – 22, 2009) focused on what is necessary to achieve resilient water systems in the built environment, specifically the infrastructure systems and services that support our urban and suburban areas. Participants included municipal, federal, NGO and private sector professionals, as well as academics from all regions of the country.

Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Agriculture and Food Production

The third Forum conference, “Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Agriculture and Food Production,” (September 1 – 3, 2009) focused on how to feed our nation while living within our water resource constraints. Specifically, the conference focused on identifying opportunities and potential solutions for addressing challenges at the intersection of freshwater and agriculture, including water quantity and quality challenges.

Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Reducing Conflicts at the Water-Energy Interface

The fourth Forum conference, “Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Reducing Conflicts at the Water-Energy Interface,” (November 16 – 18, 2009) focused on identifying ways to reduce the energy needs and carbon footprint associated with all sectors of water use, treatment, and delivery and minimize the conflicts between water demand from energy generation and water needed for other human and ecological purposes.

Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Public Health Threats and Solutions

The fifth Forum conference, "Examining U.S. Freshwater Systems and Services: Public Health Threats and Solutions," (December 15 - 16, 2009) focused on the intersection of water and human health.