Unprecedented Continental Drying and Freshwater Losses Threaten Nearly 6 Billion People in 101 Countries
Recent Developments
01July 2025: Science Advances study reveals unprecedented TWS loss and formation of four Northern Hemisphere mega-drying regions
02October 2025: World Bank report highlights accelerating drying in Asia, Eurasia, North Africa, North America with policy roadmap
032024-2025: Global Water Monitor reports water disasters caused 8,700 deaths, 40 million displacements, $550B damages; 'Flash Flood Summer' in U.S.
Interventions
- World Bank strategy for demand management, supply augmentation, and improved water allocation to combat continental drying
- Calls for better groundwater management practices to reduce overpumping and enhance water security
What Works
- Sustainable groundwater management to counteract overpumping, which amplifies drying impacts
- Demand management and improved water allocation strategies as outlined in World Bank roadmap
How to Help
- Support World Bank water crisis initiatives through donations or partnerships
- Advocate for policy changes promoting sustainable groundwater use and demand management
- Volunteer with organizations addressing local drought and water conservation efforts
Make an Impact
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Raise Awareness
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Verified Organizations
Organizations Helping(12)
GWI addresses unprecedented freshwater losses by conducting research on water stress indicators and developing policy frameworks for sustainable groundwater management. They analyze satellite data trends similar to GRACE/GRACE-FO observations to identify vulnerable regions and work with governments in the 101 countries facing net water supply decline to implement water security strategies. Their approach integrates climate science with water governance to address both the physical water loss and the institutional responses needed.
IWMI addresses continental drying and groundwater depletion through research on sustainable groundwater management, irrigation efficiency, and water productivity. They conduct field studies in water-stressed regions to develop evidence-based strategies for reducing unsustainable aquifer mining while maintaining agricultural productivity. Their work directly targets the 68% of freshwater loss attributed to groundwater pumping by developing technologies and practices that improve water use efficiency in farming communities across Asia and Africa.
DRI collaborates with The Nature Conservancy and international researchers to map groundwater-dependent ecosystems globally using NASA Landsat satellite data, machine learning, and over 30,000 confirmed data points to identify locations threatened by declining groundwater levels. They analyze changes in leaf water content, evapotranspiration, vegetation greenness, and climate data from 2015-2020, achieving 87% accuracy, to highlight 53% of ecosystems in depletion areas and inform global conservation strategies.
WMO addresses the heatwave crisis by linking climate science with health response systems. Through the Climate and Health Joint Programme and the South Asia Climate-Health Desk, WMO helps improve heat forecasting, early warning, and the translation of meteorological data into operational health guidance for South Asian countries.
