Super Short Summary

When the Rivers Run Dry by Fred Pearce is a comprehensive examination of the global water crisis, analyzing political, ecological, and historical factors in over thirty countries. Pearce discusses how water mismanagement impacts food production, introduces the concept of "virtual water," and presents case studies from the Rio Grande to the Yellow River. He explores groundwater depletion, dam misuse, potential water wars, and offers various solutions like water recycling and desalination, urging better water distribution and management for a sustainable future. Topics include environmental disasters and geopolitical conflicts over water.