Biodiversity for a Livable Climate

The Paradox of a Wetter but Drier World

Something strange is unfolding in the global water cycle: many regions are seeing more rainfall overall, yet landscapes are becoming drier. A recent article in USA Today highlighting a major new study in Nature using satellite-derived terrestrial water storage (TWS) data shows that climate change is intensifying not only rainfall, but the instability of how water moves through land systems.

Rain is increasingly falling in short, extreme bursts rather than slower, soaking events that recharge soils and groundwater. Combined with rising temperatures, stronger evaporation, and increased shortwave radiation heating dry land surfaces, ecosystems are losing their ability to retain moisture over time. The result is a dangerous cycle of heat waves, flash floods, soil drying, and hydrological volatility.

As climate systems become more volatile, adaptation cannot rely solely on emissions reductions or engineered infrastructure. We must also restore the ecological systems that slow, store, filter, and circulate water across landscapes. The future of climate resilience may depend less on controlling the atmosphere directly, and more on rebuilding Earth’s natural capacity to retain and regulate water.

The full blog post, written by Bio4Climate’s Research Scientist Dr. Poulomi Chakravarty.

Stories from the Frontline

An important nationwide conversation launched in Australia this year.

It began when Australian Water Association hosted Dr. Katie Ross and Cynthia Mitchell AO at their national Connected by Water Conference to speak about regenerating diverse landscapes and re-membering local water cycles—both as a means of moving towards water abundance and a balanced climate.

The conversation continued as Katie and Cynthia were hosted at other events by the WA Water Alliance, a consortium of regenerative and water organizations in Victoria, and Australia’s Grounded Festival.

Importantly, these conversations culminated in a national community of practice for people who want to help regenerate landscapes and local water cycles, as well as submissions to nation-wide Murray Darling Basin Authority’s 10 year planning review.

The Murray Darling Basin is the largest watershed in Australia and excitingly, if these recommendations are integrated into the next 10-year management plan, this Basin could become an example of a national initiative for landscape regeneration and local water cycle remembering.

Thinking Like Water – Summer Film Club Series

Have you ever looked at water rushing down the street or pouring into overflowing sewer drains and thought—that water should be soaking into the land—growing things instead? Well, if you’ve been following our work for a while, you have probably caught yourself thinking this way.

But how do we make it happen?

Brad Lancaster, author and international leader in rainwater harvesting, shares how he has diverted street water using “pre-legal,” on-the-ground community activism. He has turned barren median strips, front yards and dried up underground aquifers into lush, hydrated oases with abundant water underground—in very dry Arizona. Brad is featured in the Thinking Like Water docuseries—and he has agreed to join us for one of the sessions of our Film Club and Live Conversation Series on June 30 to answer your questions so you can make it real in your neighborhood.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to talk with this innovative thinker and community leader.

Recommended Reads for Biodiversity Lovers

Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond
by Brad Lancaster

Brad Lancaster teaches us how to conceptualize, design, and implement life-enhancing water-, sun-, wind-, and shade-harvesting systems for our homes, landscapes, and communities. He shows us how to assess our on-site resources and how to maximize their potential, and learn the guiding principles for an integrated, multi-functional plan specific to individual needs.

By purchasing this title through the link provided above, you’ll continue to support Bio4Climate. We are an affiliate partner of Bookshop.org and receive a portion of the sales price at no additional cost to you. View the Bio4Climate Bookshop for more books.