The world is suffering from a devastating drought. According to an August report from the European Drought Observatory, nearly two-thirds of European territory is either experiencing drought or on high alert, due to stifling heatwaves and minimal rainfall. The consequences are far-reaching: electricity production, crop yields, and inland shipping are just a few of the sectors being hit, as wildfires expand and rivers run dry. Europe isn’t alone—from the Horn of Africa to the Western United States, severe drought is threatening lives and livelihoods. Xavier Leflaive, Water Team leader at the OECD Environment Directorate, joins host Karina Piser to discuss what’s at stake.

To learn more about the OECD's work on water, go to www.oecd.org/water

Guest: Xavier Leflaive, Water Team leader at the OECD Environment Directorate

Host: Karina Piser

Producer: Robin Allison Davis