This paper looks at the potential risks of shale oil and gas expansion on the region’s water supply and quality, in order to better understand the industry’s impact on the watershed and on long-term water security.
Extraction of unconventional oil, Vaca Muerta, Argentina. Photo: Cristian Martin / Getty Images
As oil prices get closer to pre-pandemic levels, the likelihood increases that Vaca Muerta, Argentina, will expand shale oil and gas production. The authors look at the implications of this production on water resources, drawing from a literature review, publicly available spatial data, and the results of a water management study.
Perspective / This World Water Day, six researchers share insights on the value of water and lessons learned on how to equitably manage and protect this valuable resource.
Journal article / This study finds that water management is a larger threat to rice and ecosystems than the warming temperatures of climate change.
Perspective / Clean, accessible water is a human right, and universal access is essential to global health. Effective water planning can help us get there.
