How will water scarcity shape the future of cities, migration, and global stability?

From climate change to migration, the African water crisis is deeply connected to global challenges — and global solutions. 

In the final episode of this series, we explore why water scarcity is not just a regional issue, but a global one. We unpack the legacy of extractive systems, the role of youth and local leadership, and the urgency of declaring not just a climate emergency, but a water emergency. 

Through the lens of the Trans Africa Pipeline, we ask: what does global responsibility look like in a time of water crisis — and what can we do to build a more secure, just, and caring future?

You can listen to the podcast on The Nurubian |  Spotify | Podchaser | Stitcher | Amazon Music | RSS | Apple Podcasts 

About the Series: How the Trans Africa Pipeline (TAP) Can Solve the Sahel Region’s Water Crisis

What if water infrastructure could do more than deliver clean drinking water — what if it could transform economies, support food security, reduce climate migration, and unite communities across borders?

In this 3-part series, Urban Limitrophe explores the story of the TransAfrica Pipeline (TAP) — a visionary project to bring clean, desalinated water across the Sahel through a 7,000-kilometre pipeline powered by renewable energy. Through conversations with co-founders Dr. Romila Verma and Dr. Rod Tennyson, we unpack how water connects to everything: agriculture, innovation, migration, environmental justice, and community resilience.

TAP is more than a pipeline — it’s a call to imagine water systems built with care, creativity, and the future in mind.

Enjoying the series? Continue Listening

Guests

Dr. Rod Tennyson

Co-founder and Chair of the Board of Directors of TAP, Dr. Tennyson received his Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto. He was Professor and Director of the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, with research experience in advanced materials and aerospace structures, fiber optic sensor systems and pipeline integrity. He has published 215 papers in these fields, holds six patents on sensing systems and has received many awards for his pioneering work. Dr. Tennyson directs all research and engineering aspects of the TAP project and leads negotiations with funding resources, governments and NGOs.


Dr. Romila Verma

A founding Director of TAP, Dr. Verma is an Instructor at the School of the Environment and Department of Geography at the University of Toronto. Her teaching and research interests are in the field of global water management, environmental science and climate change impacts. She is also the founder of Water Speaks, an organization committed to advancing and translating the voice of water through research, education and action.

Shownotes

Acknowledgements

Sponsorships


Support
  • Music Producer: Imany Lambropoulos
  • Podcast Host and Graphic Designer: Alexandra Lambropoulos

Stay in the loop!

If you would like to be interviewed, have an interesting idea to share for an episode, or have any feedback on the podcast, please email at hello[at]urbanlimitrophe.com or DM on social media!

If you enjoy the show, please share it with your family, friends, best friend, babysitter, barber ... leave a review, or you can buy me a coffee here!

Make sure to subscribe to the newsletter and follow the podcast on Instagram to stay in the loop for upcoming episodes and opportunities to engage with guests and the show.