More than two-thirds of Iran is affected by a harsh climate that drives the production of vast desert areas. In recent years, the phenomenon of desertification has worsened due to the climate change crisis, and many cities and villages are being transformed into deserts. The Kavir and Lut Deserts, located in the north and south of the Iranian plateau, are the largest deserts in Iran. While the Lut Desert has been known as the hottest area on Earth for several years, it is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique natural perspectives and diverse geographical features.

For solutions to water shortage problems, the ancient Iranians around 3000 years ago invented qanats to transfer freshwater throughout the arid and remote regions of Iran. Qanats are an ancient system that is still in use and have supported forming civilizations, villages, and agriculture. Now, many cities in the country’s center are facing issues such as overpopulation, escalating climate pressures, dwindling water supplies, and groundwater overexploitation. These factors have posed a threat to becoming empty cities and villages, forcing people to leave their lands and abandon their lives, and pushing internal volume migrants to the northern part of the country, leading to imbalances. Additionally, the preservation of ancient structures like qanat has been endangered.

Iran, after thousands of years of thriving, is now struggling with water availability and environmental issues. This is a story of the lives of people who are facing these struggles, and the situation that is growing increasingly dire.