Water Scarcity

Fresh water is more than just a resource, it is the source of all life. But in many arid regions of the world, water supplies are under pressure from climate change, and outdated rules and infrastructure are making the problem worse. What does the world need to know about water consumption, and how can societies build better systems for a dryer future?

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Host
  • Gabrielle Sierra
    Director, Podcasting
Credits

Asher Ross - Supervising Producer

Markus Zakaria - Audio Producer and Sound Designer

Rafaela Siewert - Associate Podcast Producer

Episode Guests
  • Sandra Postel
    Founder and Director, Global Water Policy Project
  • Mark Giordano
    Professor of Geography and Cinco Hermanos Chair in Environment and International Affairs, Georgetown University

Show Notes

Climate-induced water scarcity is already being felt across the globe. In addition to the stress this puts on people’s daily lives, the consequences can also contribute to economic shocks and political tensions. In this episode, two expert guests give an introductory course on water use, water scarcity, and the need for flexible water infrastructure.

 

Dig Deeper 

 

CFR Resources

 

Water Stress: A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse,” Claire Felter and Kali Robinson  

 

Northern Nigeria Faces the Threat of Famine,” John Campbell 

 

Women’s Water Insecurity Is a Global Health Crisis,”  Victoria Parsons

 

Navigating Rough Waters: The Limitations of International Watercourse Governance,” Ania Zolyniak

 

From Sandra Postel

 

How You Can Help Fix the Global Water Crisis,” Post Carbon Institute

 

The Water Cycle is Broken But We Can Fix It,” Pew Charitable Trusts

 

Read More

 

Egypt Has a Water Problem—and no, it’s not only the GERD,” Atlantic Council

 

The shocking numbers behind the Lake Mead drought crisis,” CNN 

 

Biden Administration to Restore Clean-Water Protections Ended by Trump,” New York Times

 

What Is a Water War?,” Diplomat

 

Why 2021’s heat waves are so brutal” Verge



 

Watch and Listen

 

Climate Change Is Threatening The U.S. West’s Water Supply,” NPR 


Solutions to the Global Water Crisis,”  World Resources Institute

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