Avocados are marketed as a superfood, but growing them for an expanding world market has turned a rural Mexican state into an unsustainable monoculture.
The chip manufacturing industry of the 21st century is the most significant industry, geopolitically speaking, as oil was in the 20th century.
(Shutterstock)
A new study reveals that from 2050, Africa will suffer from food and water scarcity, and a massive loss of jobs in agriculture, unless climate change mitigation measures are put in place now.
Circular irrigation for growing hay and alfalfa near Corcoran, Calif. − a water-intensive system that relies on groundwater pumping.
George Rose/Getty Images
Rapid and accelerating groundwater level declines are widespread in dry climates where groundwater is used for irrigation. But some communities have found ways to turn things around.
Water treatment doesn’t have to be one large, citywide system.
Deepblue4you/E+ via Getty Images
Water shortages are one of the greatest problems created by a warming world. A decentralized water system is a compelling counterargument to the notion that bigger is better.
New research finds fresh water losses are concentrated in South America, most of Africa and much of Australia.
Palestinians fill drinking water containers at a distribution site in Khan Yunis, south Gaza, on Oct. 8, 2023.
Mohammed Talatene/picture alliance via Getty Images
As the war between Hamas and Israel grinds forward, two experts explain how Israelis and Palestinians have cooperated to tackle their region’s water challenges.
The Rio Grande, viewed from the Zaragoza International Bridge between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Vianey Rueda
When the Rio Grande figures in US news reports, it’s usually in relation to stories about immigration, drug trafficking or trade. But the river is also an important water source – and it’s shrinking.
Freshwater challenges occur frequently in South Africa.
Rodger Bosch/AFP via Getty Images
‘Water-shifting’ should not be a permanent measure. It does not address the cause of the current crisis.
Suburban development in Maricopa County, Arizona, with lakes, lush golf courses and water-guzzling lawns.
Wild Horizon/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Arizona is considering a multibillion-dollar desalination project to address its urgent water needs. Three water experts call for a go-slow approach and point to Israel as a role model.
Groundwater is vital to communities in northern Kenya during droughts.
Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images
Southwest states have bought time with an agreement between California, Arizona and Nevada to cut Colorado River water use by about 14%. Now comes the hard part.
On average, women spend more time than men collecting and transporting water.
(Shutterstock)
Husna Ismail, National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Olga Perovic, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
In hospitals, infection prevention and control cannot be met without a hygienically clean, and safe environment that has an adequate supply of clean running water.
A tractor ploughs a field in the Philippi Horticultural Area in Cape Town, South Africa.
Photo by Nardus Engelbrecht/Gallo Images via Getty Images
Associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and interim Director of the Future Water research institute at the University of Cape Town, University of Cape Town
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science and African Climate and Development Initiative Research Chair, University of Cape Town