Conversations Like oil and water
Jun 24, 2024
Dr. Paul Hardisty shares his journey from the oil industry to water conservation, discussing his upbringing with a high-functioning alcoholic father, his shift to water engineering in Ghana, unique wedding experiences, working in Yemen, environmental conservation efforts, and family dynamics. He reflects on intergenerational conversations, success, and writing, offering insightful reflections on his life-changing experiences.
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Work The People–Environment Intersection
- Hardisty switched from oil to water engineering to focus on the intersection of people and environment.
- He argues that solving environmental problems means addressing human needs and behaviours at that intersection.
Fixing Wells To Fight Guinea Worm
- In Ghana he worked on rehabilitating wells to prevent waterborne diseases like guinea worm.
- He explains guinea worm's gruesome lifecycle and why reliable wells were lifesaving.
Yemen: Hospitality Amid Conflict
- Hardisty recalls Yemen as a place of ancient tradition, extreme hospitality and intense conflict, including Scud missiles on Sanaa.
- He experienced both deep cultural civility and frightening violence while working there.