Fresh water sustains all life, but in many regions, especially arid ones, it is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change. Aging infrastructure and ineffective policies are only making the situation worse, affecting communities, economies, and even the political stability of some countries. As water shortages intensify, it’s crucial to rethink how we manage this vital resource and develop more adaptable systems that can better withstand the effects of climate change.

This episode was originally released on July 8, 2021.

Featured 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

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/water-scarcity

Why Hasn’t Silicon Valley Fixed the Bay Area’s Problems?