Resolving Water Scarcity: Beyond Traditional Resource Management

Explore the complex water crisis in Isfahan, Iran, and its root causes in this 20-minute TEDxEsfahan talk by Mehadi Fasihi Harandi, an international water and energy professional. Discover how a combination of poor decision-making, climate change, and drought has led to a dramatic decrease in surface water availability in Iran. Learn about the consequences of extensive dam construction, watershed manipulation, and the shift to groundwater exploitation, including land subsidence in Isfahan. Examine the socio-political conflicts, ethnic tensions, livelihood deficiencies, unemployment, and migration issues that contribute to the drying up of Zayandehrud River. Gain insights into why water-oriented problems require solutions beyond water management alone, and understand the importance of addressing the development gap among Persian states to resolve these challenges.