News
2017
Climate plays a major role in decline of one of Asia's most critical water resources
Climate variability, rather than the presence of a major dam, is most likely the primary cause for a water supply decline in East Asia's largest floodplain lake system, according to new research. More
Better farm water management could help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals
Around 40% of irrigated agriculture is unsustainable, according to a new study. However, better farm water management could help reconcile global water, environment, and food targets. More
Water management interventions push scarcity downstream
Human interventions to harness water resources, such as reservoirs, dams, and irrigation measures, have increased water availability for much of the global population, but at the same time, swept water scarcity problems downstream. More
Fossil groundwater vulnerable to modern contamination
A new study shows that over half of global groundwater is over 12,000 years old More
Global food supply at risk from agricultural misuse of nonrenewable water
The rising use of unsustainable water supplies by international food producers is putting global food and water supplies at risk and could cause basic food prices to skyrocket, suggests a new study from international researchers. More
Innovative IIASA research highlighted by major journal
Five IIASA studies published in Environmental Research Letters in 2016 were selected for the journal’s Highlights of 2016, as especially innovative or groundbreaking work. More
Traveling droughts bring new possibilities for prediction
Droughts can travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers from where they started, like a slow-moving hurricane. A new study sheds light on how these droughts evolve in space and time, bringing vital new insight for water managers. More
Dutch Hydrological Society awards Yoshihide Wada Hydrology Prize
Dutch Hydrological Society recognizes IIASA Water Program Deputy Director Yoshihide Wada’s contribution to hydrological sciences More
Changing rainfall patterns linked to water security in India
Changes in precipitation, which are linked to the warming of the Indian Ocean, are the main reason for recent changes in groundwater storage in India. More
2016
Climate, human influence conspired in Lake Urmia’s decline
A combination of climate change and water usage are responsible for the staggering drying of Lake Urmia, what was once the second largest salt lake in the world. More
Flood resilience portal launched
During World Water Week, an international partnership on flood resilience, including IIASA researchers, is launching an online Flood Resilience Portal to provide essential information and practical solutions for flooding around the world. More
Managing an endangered river across the US-Mexico border
A new IIASA study shows how improving communication and involvement could bring consensus solutions for the embattled Rio Grande/Bravo, which is shared between the USA and Mexico. More
How much does groundwater contribute to sea level rise?
Land water, including groundwater extraction, contributes far less to sea level rise than previously thought, according to a new study. More
Climate change threatens already volatile Lake Urmia
Climate change is likely to worsen the situation of the drought-stricken hypersaline Lake Urmia in Iran, even in the most optimistic climate change scenario and without any further human impact. More
Simon Langan and Yoshihide Wada to head IIASA water program
IIASA has appointed British water expert Simon Langan to head the IIASA Water Program. Yoshihide Wada from Japan was named as the deputy program director. More
Clean energy could stress global water resources
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector could lead to greater pressure on water resources, increasing water use and thermal water pollution. Dedicated adaptation measures will be needed in order to avoid potential trade-offs between the water and climate change impacts of the energy system. More
Pressure building on global water supply
A new study projects that global demand for water could more than double by 2050, increasing pressure on already scarce water resources. Water efficiency and water saving measures could stabilize demand. More
Worldwide electricity production vulnerable to climate and water resource change
Climate change impacts on rivers and streams may substantially reduce electricity production capacity around the world. A new study calls for a greater focus on adaptation efforts in order to maintain future energy security. More
