New evidence of global groundwater crisis adds urgency to solutions efforts
(SACRAMENTO, CA - January 25, 2024) — Global groundwater decline is widespread and accelerating, especially in dry regions with extensive croplands, according to a new study published this week in Nature. Ann Hayden, vice president of Climate Resilient Water Systems at the Environmental Defense Fund issued the following statement in response to the findings of this landmark global analysis:
“Groundwater is one of the world’s most important climate shock absorbers. The vast food and water systems that depend on healthy aquifers are protecting billions of people and global ecosystems from increasingly erratic, extreme weather patterns. This study underlines the fact this indispensable resource is, in many areas of the world, in existential peril. Critically, however, it also points to the potential for aquifers to rebound and continue to provide this important water supply buffer — particularly as a result of proactive, locally-driven management efforts. The Environmental Defense Fund is keenly focused on catalyzing groundwater solutions that work and calls on both private and public partners to heed this important wake up call, join the effort to reverse global groundwater decline, and support locally-responsive groundwater management based on best available science.”
The Environmental Defense Fund has long supported local groundwater management efforts in hard-hit arid settings. EDF’s groundwater initiatives and partnerships include:
- decision-support tools such as OpenET and the Groundwater Accounting Platform,
- proactive management initiatives such as Multibenefit Land Repurposing,
- community engagement initiatives such as the Water Leadership Institute, and
- policy and planning guides such as the Groundwater Management Framework
Click here for more on the Environmental Defense Fund’s work on groundwater solutions.
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
Senate Parliamentarian Confirms California Clean Vehicle Waivers Not Subject to Congressional Review Act
April 4, 2025 -
Petrochemical Lobbyists Email Trump EPA Administrator Zeldin, Ask to Exempt “All Sources” from Limits on Toxic Pollution
April 4, 2025 -
EDF Joins Global Campaign to Help Companies Mitigate Climate Risks, Improve Resilience
April 3, 2025 -
Federal Banking Regulator Abandons Guidance for Climate Financial Risks
March 31, 2025 -
SEC Drops Court Defense of Its Climate Risk Disclosure Rule
March 27, 2025 -
Trump EPA Website Offers to Help Sources Emit Pollution Instead of Complying with Standards
March 27, 2025