WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
A 2001–2025 remote-sensing study mapped valid ecosystem water-use efficiency estimates over about 44% of Iran. Around 23.75% of that valid area showed significant trends, mostly increases; NDVI was an influential predictor in the machine-learning model.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
A higher productivity-to-water-loss ratio does not by itself mean more ecological water is available or that drought risk has declined.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
SHAP contributions are model attributions, not experimentally isolated causes; large portions of the country were not covered by valid estimates.
SOURCE
Scientific Reports — Kazemzadeh (2026)
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