The Water Online Show: What NASA Satellites Reveal About Earth's Shrinking Freshwater

In this episode of In The Flow, hosts Travis Kennedy and Kevin Westerling delve into one of the most pressing issues facing water managers throughout the world: the shrinking supply of freshwater. While 71% of Earth is covered in water, only 3% is freshwater — and less than half of that is accessible to humans. New research, powered by NASA’s GRACE satellite mission, shows that dry regions are expanding at alarming rates, contributing not only to water scarcity for 75% of the world’s population but also to sea level rise. It’s a sobering picture, but one that sets the stage for an important discussion.

Joining the show to help unpack these findings is Jay Famiglietti, Global Futures Professor at Arizona State University and a long-time member of the GRACE science team. From the science behind gravity-based satellite measurements to the real-world impacts on agriculture, cities, and global water security, Jay sheds light on the gravity (literally) of the situation. But the conversation doesn’t stop at challenges — it also explores solutions, from policy shifts and public awareness to innovations in technology and agriculture. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of our most vital resource.