NASA satellite data reveals Earth's continents are drying at an unprecedented rate, with land area experiencing water loss expanding at double the size of California annually. The western coast of North America, Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East are severely affected, impacting agriculture and sanitation. Over-extraction of groundwater, exacerbated by climate change and El Niño events, is a major contributor. 75% of the global population lives in areas facing freshwater loss, highlighting the urgent need for better groundwater management and highlighting global food security concerns.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.