Since 1987, we have worked with everyone from Fortune 500 companies to disenfranchised communities to create and advance solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. Identifying solutions and developing recommendations for sensible water policies isn’t enough — we must also persuade decision makers to adopt these solutions. At every level, from the halls of Congress to international negotiating tables, we promote effective policy solutions based on our research and analysis.
Our science-based approach draws from many disciplines and benefits from collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, from governments to grassroots organizations.
Science-Based Research
Our work is firmly grounded in meticulous research and sound science. Our experts draw on knowledge and experience in disciplines ranging from climatology to environmental engineering and hydrology, examining critical water challenges and identifying the most effective science-based solutions.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Water challenges are characterized by complex interdependencies. We recognize that effective solutions are beyond the scope of a single discipline or area of research, so we integrate knowledge and approaches from many disciplines, identifying real-world solutions that work.
Collaborative partnerships are core to our approach. By establishing mutual interests with various stakeholders, the Institute has been able to focus its science-based solutions towards shared goals, building cross-sector alliances to tackle complex water challenges.
We have received several awards in recognition of our impact, including:
First Lifetime Achievement Award for Water Conservation from the Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards Program (2013)
Partners in Conservation Award from the Department of the Interior (2009 and 2012)
First U.S. Water Prize from the US Water Alliance (2011)
Region 9 Award for Environmental Excellence from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2009)
Csallany Award for Exemplary Contributions to Water Resources from the American Water Resources Association (2009)
Top Environmental Achievement Awards for Freshwater Protection and Restoration from Environment Now Foundation (2007)
Excellence Award for Statewide/Institutional Innovations from the California Urban Water Conservation Council (2005)
The Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security is an American non-profit research institute created in 1987 to provide independent research and policy analysis on issues of development, environment, and security, with a particular focus on global and regional freshwater issues. It is located in Oakland, California.
The Institute's primary focus is on water conservation and demand management.[2] The mission of the Institute is to "[create] and [advance] solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges".[3]
History and research
Institute staff analyze science and policy to provide workshops and briefings for communities involved in issues surrounding water, climate, energy, environmental security, and globalization, with a focus on hydrologic sciences, water management, and water policy.[4][5] Institute researchers in 2014 warned that the lack of replenishment water in the Salton Sea was leading to a "period of very rapid deterioration." With the increased shrinkage, dust storms would increase and a rotten-egg smell could reach to the coastal cities.[6] A known publication from the Institute is The World's Water: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. In 2012 the Institute produced a new book A 21st Century U.S. Water Policy.[7]
Peter Gleick co-founded the institute in 1987 and directed it until mid-2016. Gleick is president emeritus, having been succeeded as president by Jason Morrison.[8][9]
^Christian-Smith, Juliet; Gleick, Peter, eds. (2012). A 21st Century U.S. Water Policy. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 334. ISBN 978-0-19-985944-3.
OAKLAND, CA 94602-2112 | Tax-exempt since March 2007
EIN: 94-3172799
Classification (NTEE) Mental Health Treatment - Multipurpose and N.E.C. (Mental Health, Crisis Intervention)
Nonprofit Tax Code Designation: 501(c)(3) Defined as: Organizations for any of the following purposes: religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition (as long as it doesn’t provide athletic facilities or equipment), or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
Donations to this organization are tax deductible.