When the Rivers Run Dry, Fully Revised and Updated Edition

The book explores the escalating global water crisis, emphasizing the critical role of rivers in providing fresh water for agriculture and consumption. Through vivid reporting, Fred Pearce examines the crisis's complex origins, including waste, misguided engineering, and the impact of high-yield crops on water reserves. He argues for a shift towards greater efficiency and a new ethical approach to water management that prioritizes social benefit over self-interest, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to prevent food production decline and potential conflicts.