NASA Reports Alarming Decline in Global Freshwater Supplies

NASA has revealed a significant decline in Earth’s freshwater reserves, indicating that the planet may have entered a long-term drier phase, SciTech Daily reported yesterday.

Data from the GRACE satellites shows that since May 2014, terrestrial water storage has decreased by 1,200 cubic kilometers (290 cubic miles), equivalent to losing over two and a half times the volume of Lake Erie.

This decline is attributed to severe droughts, increased agricultural demands, and climatic events like El Niño. Between 2015 and 2023, the average freshwater stored on land was notably lower than in previous years, raising concerns about the sustainability of water resources for human and agricultural use.

The report highlights that ongoing reliance on groundwater during droughts exacerbates depletion, potentially leading to famine, conflict, and health risks. With the nine warmest years on record coinciding with this decline, experts warn that this trend may continue, posing significant challenges for global water management and climate adaptation efforts.