The world is running out of water. Some of our largest rivers now trickle into sand miles from the ocean, exhausted by human need. Water is 'the new oil' - except we can live without oil; there are no alternatives to fresh water. Fred Pearce explores the complex origins of the growing world water crisis. His vivid reportage reveals the personal stories behind failing rivers, barren fields, desertification, floods, water wars, and even the death of cultures. Is there hope? Yes - but only if we revolutionize the way we treat water. This phenomenally important book shows us just how essential it is that each of us takes responsibility for the water we use now - before all our rivers run dry. When the Rivers Run Dry by Fred Pearce has been selected as one of the Top 50 Sustainability Books as voted for by the University of Cambridge's Programme for Sustainability Leadership alumni network involving over 3,000 senior leaders from around the world.