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.

Related: Water Leadership Institute Seeks to Cultivate Community Water Leaders in the Delta Mendota Subbasin