A recent study shows that drought-affected land has tripled since the 1980s, with nearly half of the Earth experiencing extreme drought last year. The research highlights the severe implications for food security and public health, particularly in regions like South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa. Without significant action, the trend towards increased drought and extreme rainfall is likely to worsen, posing dire risks to global populations.
Research indicates that the extent of land suffering from drought has multiplied threefold since the 1980s. According to a recent study conducted by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, nearly half of the Earth’s terrestrial surface experienced extreme drought conditions for at least one month in the previous year—an alarming increase from 15% during the 1980s. Furthermore, around 30% of the globe endured extreme drought lasting three months or more in 2023, compared to just 5% in the earlier decade. This study provides critical and timely insights regarding the increasing severity of drought, signaling an alarming acceleration in these conditions due to climate change. Extreme drought impacts are not only detrimental to water supply and sanitation but also threaten food security, public health, and economic stability. The phenomenon arises from a combination of factors, including climatic alterations and unsustainable land use. Notably, South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa have been particularly hard-hit by the escalation of drought conditions. In the Amazon Basin, for example, the drying out of rivers jeopardizes weather patterns, kills essential tree species, and disrupts rainfall cycles through a vicious feedback loop. Concurrently, the world has witnessed increased intensity of extreme rainfall—in the past decade, 61% of locations across the globe have recorded higher occurrences of intense rainfall compared to historical averages. The intricate relationship between drought, floods, and climate change entails increased evaporation of water due to higher temperatures, resulting in heightened dry spells. Additionally, as ocean temperatures rise, they contribute more moisture to the atmosphere, which can lead to extreme rain events. As explored in the Lancet Countdown report, the adverse health consequences of climate change have reached unprecedented levels. Droughts exposed an additional 151 million individuals to food insecurity last year, significantly contributing to malnutrition and an increase of 167% in heat-related fatalities among individuals aged over 65 compared to the 1990s. Furthermore, rising temperatures and resultant rainfall are facilitating the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. Areas like northeast Syria and South Sudan highlight the severe ramifications of drought, with residents facing dire access to clean water, which exacerbates health issues. One resident from Hasakah lamented that, “People are ready to kill their neighbor for water. People are going thirsty every day.” Without decisive action to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global temperature rises, we can expect continued instances of drought coupled with intensified precipitation. 2023 has already established itself as the warmest year recorded. While adaptation to current climate changes is still feasible, experts warn of approaching limits beyond which severe repercussions will become unavoidable. “The higher we allow the global temperature to go, the worse things are going to be” – Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown.
The article discusses a significant increase in drought conditions worldwide since the 1980s, highlighting a recent study that illustrates how climate change is exacerbating both drought and extreme rainfall. It points to the dire consequences for water supply, food security, public health, and economies, particularly in vulnerable regions such as South America, the Middle East, and Africa. The complex interplay between climate dynamics and human activity is stressed as a core component of the ongoing crisis, revealing the urgent need for global action against climate change.
In summary, the article underscores the alarming growth in drought-affected land since the 1980s, revealing a threefold increase in its extent due to climate change. It highlights the intricate relationships between drought, flooding, and health impacts, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. The need for immediate, concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the consequential challenges of climate instability is imperative to prevent exacerbating these environmental crises.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
