Iran is facing a serious shortage of freshwater that affects towns, farms and villages. Reports and interviews say some military and security bodies drill groundwater wells without permission. Activists claim many illegal wells were dug by the IRGC, but that has not been independently confirmed.
Silence from oversight agencies has let the practice continue and made water supplies worse. In several provinces people have left villages after groundwater levels dropped. Official reports say many plains are now in a critical state and there are many unauthorized wells across the country.
Difficult words
- shortage — Not having enough of something people need
- freshwater — Water without salt used for drinking or farming
- groundwater — Water under the ground in soil and rocks
- drill — To make a hole in the ground
- permission — Official agreement to do something
- activist — A person who works for social changeActivists
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would losing freshwater affect your daily life?
- Why might silence from oversight agencies make the water problem worse?
Related articles
Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climate
The Caribbean saw political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, major cultural wins and environmental challenges. Hurricanes and renewable energy plans shaped the year, while sport successes and political debates marked regional headlines.
Study: Whale shark tourism rules broken at El Azul
A study using drone footage found many tourism rule violations at El Azul, a large whale shark site off the Yucatán coast. Researchers recorded boats and swimmers too close to feeding sharks and recommend better monitoring and self-regulation.
Diamond dust not suitable for stratospheric cooling
Researchers at Washington University studied detonation-made diamond dust for stratospheric aerosol injection. Simulations show carbon impurities and sp2 carbon cause absorption and reduce scattering, so these nanodiamonds are unlikely to cool the planet effectively.