MARCH 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pacific Institute Researchers Explore Rising Frequency and Severity of Rural Catastrophic Flooding Across the United States

New Pacific Institute blog written by Researchers Rebecca Anderson and Dr. Shannon McNeeley explores the rising frequency and severity of rural catastrophic flooding. It includes examples from across the rural US, with a deep dive into the 2022 Eastern Kentucky flood event. They examine the climate change footprint of catastrophic flooding and provide insights into what rural communities can expect in the future.  

Leveraging the existing strengths of rural communities is essential for building resilience and effectively preparing for severe weather and climate events. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Marking International Women’s Day by Highlighting Water Access Needs for Women and Girls

This International Women’s Day (March 8), the Pacific Institute and the CEO Water Mandate put the spotlight on how water scarcity impacts women and girls around the world. Access to clean, reliable water is essential for all, but water scarcity disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly in water-stressed communities.

A CEO Water Mandate blog explores how collective action led and supported by the Pacific Institute and partners can empower women, improve their health, and strengthen their communities. By addressing water insecurity, we’re breaking down barriers and opening up new opportunities for women to thrive. 

New Report to be Released Highlighting 100+ Actionable Strategies for Climate Change Resilience for Water and Sanitation in Frontline Communities 

Climate change is accelerating climate disasters and extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. These disrupt and sometimes destroy water and sanitation access - especially for the most overburdened and underresourced communities. 

A new Pacific Institute and DigDeep report launching this month will include real-world examples of strategies of how frontline communities can strengthen the climate resilience of water and wastewater systems.

Every Day is World Water Day at the Pacific Institute

At the Pacific Institute, we approach every day focused on water. Our work has a long-standing history of providing evidence-based research to catalyze the transformation to water resilience by 2030.

Stay tuned for more this World Water Day, March 22. Until then, learn more about our vision for a water-resilient world in our Strategic Plan. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pacific Institute Thought Leaders to be Featured at WateReuse Symposium

Pacific Institute President Jason Morrison and Senior Researchers Shannon Spurlock and Dr. Bruk Berhanu will be featured at the WateReuse Symposium in Tampa, Florida, March 16-19.

Their sessions will cover an array of topics from collective action to stormwater capture. The Symposium is a premier conference on water recycling, covering policy, technology, operations, and communications.

RECAP

Dr. Peter Gleick Gives Keynote at Loyola University Chicago’s 2025 Climate Change Conference

Dr. Peter Gleick, Pacific Institute Senior Fellow and Co-Founder delivered the keynote address on March 13 at the Loyola University Chicago’s 2025 Climate Change Conference.

The conference’s theme, “Shifting Waters: Water Security and the Emerging Water Crisis,” explored strategies for developing solutions to the water crisis. 

Senior Researcher Shannon Spurlock Presents at Western Spaces Conference 

Pacific Institute Senior Researcher of Public Policy & Practice Uptake, Shannon Spurlock, was featured March 7 at the Western Spaces Conference hosted by the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute.

Her session, “Achieving Good Planning Using a Multi-Benefit Approach” focused on the effect of good land use planning on water use and costs; transportation that provides mobility and environmental benefits; and the ability to provide affordable housing and services. 

IN THE NEWS

The world's most influential media outlets frequently turn to the Pacific Institute to provide expert, science-based insights on water challenges and solutions. Here are just a few of the media highlights from the past month.

Hidden Depths from the Center for Strategic & International Studies

Introduction: Water Conflict and Cooperation

KUER

California, Arizona and Nevada Want a New Federal Review of Colorado River Plans

USGS

NLCD: Landscape Info Supporting Our Safety and Economic Well-being

Yale Environment 360

How Climate Change Puts the Safety of Drinking Water at Risk

Pacific Institute | 510-251-1600 | info@pacinst.org

Support the Pacific Institute