The Thirsty Giant of Asia: Groundwater Depletion in High Mountain Asia The Chinese Academy of Sciences has released a report highlighting alarming rates of groundwater depletion in High Mountain Asia, often referred to as the "Asian Water Tower.
" This region supplies water for over 100 million people across more than a dozen downstream countries. Researchers estimate that approximately 24 billion tonnes of groundwater are being lost every year.
Groundwater depletion poses significant threats to food security, urban planning, and economic development in Asia.