The World Is Running Out of Freshwater Faster Than Anyone Expected.
Two decades of satellite observations have revealed a stark planetary warning: vast regions of Earth’s continents are drying out at unprecedented rates.
Driven by climate change, groundwater overuse, and worsening drought, this “mega-drying” is now contributing more to sea level rise than melting ice sheets. Four massive drying zones—stretching from North America to Eurasia and North Africa—are emerging, threatening water supplies for billions.
Unprecedented Global Water Loss Uncovered
New findings from studying over two decades of satellite observations reveal that the Earth’s continents have experienced unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, driven by climate change, unsustainable groundwater use and extreme droughts. The study, led by Arizona State University and published today in Science Advances, highlights the emergence of four continental-scale “mega-drying” regions, all located in the northern hemisphere, and warns of severe consequences for water security, agriculture, sea level rise and global stability.
