S1/E71: Iran's Other Problems: Seismic Vulnerability, Energy and Water Crises
Description
Iran faces escalating environmental and infrastructural crises, exposing governance deficiencies. Tehran's seismic vulnerability is critical, with accumulated tectonic stress indicating a high-probability magnitude 7+ earthquake. Rapid urbanization and inadequate disaster preparedness put millions at risk. Simultaneously, Iran's energy crisis worsens as demand outpaces supply. Dr. Hashem Oraee highlights policy mismanagement, with heavy subsidies fueling excessive consumption. Prioritizing residential energy over industrial needs has led to economic stagnation, inflation, and public sector shutdowns. Iran's water crisis compounds these challenges. Over-extraction, reduced precipitation, and groundwater depletion have pushed the country into hydrological emergency, leading to land subsidence. With 90% of water allocated to agriculture, shortages threaten national stability.
United States
