A Hydrologist Talks About Working Together to Curb Crises
by ISR Staff

Dr. Kaushlendra Verma, a hydrologist from India and ISR community member, currently serves as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Météo-France, in Toulouse. His research endeavors contribute significantly to our understanding of global hydrological systems and their dynamics, particularly in the context of climate change.
Driven by a profound interest in monitoring and effectively managing freshwater resources, Dr. Verma employs innovative techniques such as remote sensing and satellite altimetry to collect crucial data on the topography of surface water and water level changes. His efforts aim to deepen our understanding of Earth’s intricate water dynamics and chart a course towards sustainable management of our planet’s most vital resource.
Dr. Verma recently spoke to the International Science Reserve about his research and how the ISR can be useful for cross-border collaboration on crisis.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your research?
At Météo-France, my research focuses on understanding how climate change impacts Earth’s water dynamics, particularly regarding freshwater resources. Using advanced techniques like remote sensing, we’re uncovering new insights into the behavior of water-bodies, including rivers and lakes, under changing climatic conditions.
One fascinating aspect we are discovering is the intricate relationship between precipitation patterns and hydrological processes, shedding light on how climate variability affects the availability and distribution of freshwater resources impacting ecosystems and human livelihoods at the global scale.
Population growth, industrialization, and climate change are all pushing the boundaries of the global freshwater supply. What role do hydrologists play in helping decision-makers understand these risks?
Hydrologists play a crucial role in providing valuable insights to decision-makers regarding freshwater management and sustainability. Through meticulous analysis of vast datasets and sophisticated modeling techniques, we assess the risks associated with freshwater scarcity and help devise effective mitigation strategies.
Whether it’s optimizing water allocation, developing resilient infrastructure, or guiding international agreements on trans-boundary water resources, hydrologists provide the scientific foundation for informed decision-making at both local and global levels, ensuring the long-term viability of freshwater resources for future generations.
Recent events underscore the urgency of scientific insights in water management. In Sudan’s Arbaat Dam collapse (August 2024), extreme rainfall led to catastrophic failure, displacing communities and highlighting vulnerabilities in water infrastructure. Similarly, the 2024–2025 floods across Southeast and South Asia have affected millions, emphasizing the need for accurate hydrological forecasts and adaptive management strategies.

Beyond disasters, hydrologists also support proactive crisis prevention. In case of Cape Town, South Africa, which faced a severe water crisis in 2018 due to a combination of drought, population growth, and inadequate water infrastructure. Hydrologists were instrumental in analyzing rainfall patterns, groundwater levels, and reservoir capacities to forecast water availability accurately. Their research enabled policymakers to implement water-saving measures, such as rationing and infrastructure upgrades, to avert a catastrophic water shortage.
Furthermore, in response to the ongoing drought crisis in the Western United States, hydrologists have been actively involved in water resource management efforts. With shrinking snow-pack, dwindling reservoir levels, and increasing competition for water among various stakeholders, hydrologists employ advanced modeling techniques to forecast water availability, assess drought impacts, and develop adaptive strategies. By collaborating with policymakers, hydrologists help inform decisions on water allocation, conservation measures, and long-term planning to mitigate the effects of drought on ecosystems and communities.
The UN recently stated that we are “careering towards a global water crisis,” with a 40% shortfall in freshwater resources predicted by 2030 and called for increased global cooperation. What are the benefits to collaborating more across borders, and across disciplines to better manage freshwater systems?
Collaboration across borders and disciplines holds immense promise in addressing the complex challenges of freshwater management on a global scale. For example, the flow of water in some rivers may be governed by agreements between countries. However, monitoring this flow can be problematic for both technical and economic reasons. By fostering international cooperation, hydrologists can share expertise, data, and best practices, facilitating more holistic and effective approaches to freshwater conservation and management.
Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration amplifies the impact of hydrology research by integrating insights from diverse fields such as ecology, economics, and governance. For instance, the Nile Basin Initiative brings together hydrologists, economists, and policymakers from riparian countries to address shared challenges in water management. By combining hydrological modeling with socioeconomic analysis and stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary teams develop inclusive water governance frameworks and equitable allocation mechanisms that promote cooperation and mitigate conflicts.
In another example, the Mekong River Basin in Southeast Asia spans multiple countries and supports millions of livelihoods. Hydrologists from countries like China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam collaborate to monitor water flow, sediment transport, and ecosystem health in the basin. By sharing hydrological data and conducting joint research, these scientists facilitate informed decision-making on dam operations, flood management, and sustainable water use, fostering cooperation and reducing the risk of conflicts over water resources.
Why did you join the International Science Reserve, and why would you encourage others to join?
My decision to join the International Science Reserve (ISR) stems from its invaluable role as a platform for fostering global scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange. ISR provides a unique opportunity for researchers from diverse backgrounds to come together, share insights, and collaborate on addressing pressing global challenges.
By joining the ISR, researchers gain access to a vast network of experts, resources, and opportunities for collaboration, enabling them to amplify the impact of their research and contribute meaningfully to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges.