A new study, Environmental planning and the evolution of inter-basin water transfers in the United States, led by postdoc Sooyeon Yi, was published in Frontiers in Environmental Science. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of inter-basin water transfers across the U.S., crucial for balancing water availability and demand. These projects can significantly alter river flows, affect water quality, and disrupt habitats. By categorizing projects from 1900 to 2020, the study reveals trends toward larger, energy-intensive systems and an evolving emphasis on environmental planning. The findings highlight the growing need for sustainable management, urging future projects to incorporate climate change vulnerability assessments to mitigate potential impacts effectively.
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