Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge

Written by Erica Gies

Narrated by Linda Jones

Nearly every human endeavor on the planet was conceived and constructed with a relatively stable climate in mind. But as new climate disasters remind us every day, our world is not stable—and it is changing in ways that expose the deep dysfunction of our relationship with water. But as we grapple with extreme weather, a hard truth is emerging: our development, including concrete infrastructure designed to control water, is actually exacerbating our problems. Because sooner or later, water always wins.



In this quietly radical book, science journalist Erica Gies introduces us to innovators in what she calls the Slow Water movement who start by asking a revolutionary question: What does water want? Using close observation, historical research, and cutting-edge science, these experts in hydrology, restoration ecology, engineering, and urban planning are already transforming our relationship with water.



Gies reminds us that water's true nature is to flex with the rhythms of the earth: the slow phases absorb floods, store water for droughts, and feed natural systems. Figuring out what water wants—and accommodating its desires within our human landscapes—is now a crucial survival strategy. By putting these new approaches to the test, innovators in the Slow Water movement are reshaping the future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Jun 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9798765040782

Erica Gies

Erica Gies is an award-winning journalist and National Geographic Explorer based in Victoria, British Columbia and San Francisco. She writes about water, climate change, plants and critters for the New York Times, Atlantic, Guardian, Economist, Scientific American, New Scientist, Wired, and other publications.

Reviews for Water Always Wins

[Thomas Suczek · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Possibly the most important book of my lifetime. Thank you.

[kalliegrace · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lots of good information and stories related to our use of water and how we've shot ourselves in the foot over and over. Water always wins sounds hopeful at first but then you realize that just means it'll be here long after us ? I'd love an updated chapter on AI water usage now.