Water

A world map showing global terrestrial water storage anomalies for December 2019. The map uses shades of brown and blue to illustrate areas with below-average (brown) and above-average (blue) water storage compared to the long-term average from 2003 to 2019. Large parts of North and South America, southern Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia display significant water deficits (brown), while areas such as Canada, northern Eurasia, and parts of Southeast Asia show above-average storage (blue). The background is a dark navy grid indicating global latitude and longitude lines

Drying the Spine

The climate crisis is not just altering weather – it is rewiring Earth’s hydrological systems.

A vibrant desert landscape with rolling orange dunes and sparse vegetation is overshadowed by dramatic red clouds swirling in the bright blue sky, with a tranquil ocean visible in the distance.

The Forge of the Sea

Wind-blown iron dust helps oceans absorb carbon and support life. Its availability changes with distance, affecting climate predictions.

At the Edge of the Lakes

Rising lake temperatures from climate change will disrupt aquatic life, especially in warmer regions, causing significant habitat shifts.

Shadows in the Glass

Drinking water has been shown to contain hidden, persistent chemicals called 2,6-DHNPs, posing severe health risks even at low levels.

Over Martian Shores

Mars’ water history, studied by NASA’s Perseverance rover in the Jezero crater, suggests past habitability and enlightens its climatic past.

Echoes from the Deep

Deep-sea mining tests reveal that such activities can have broader and more significant impacts on marine life than previously assumed.

Diminishing Depths

Despite increased water storage from new dams, the percentage of reservoir capacity filled with water is decreasing, underscoring the need for more effective water management strategies.

Passing Arsenic

A link has been established between water arsenic levels and higher urinary arsenic in people using private wells and public water systems in the US, emphasising the need for action to protect those at risk from arsenic exposure.

Shipwrecked Sediments

Eighty years after it sank, a World War 2 warship is still polluting the local ecosystem.

Washed into Dust

The Salton Sea, California’s most polluted inland lake, is turning into toxic dust caused by a decline in Colorado River flow.