Drought Crisis: A Tripling of Affected Land Since the 1980s

The Lancet Countdown report reveals that drought-affected land has tripled since the 1980s, with nearly half the Earth experiencing extreme drought last year. The health impacts of climate change are escalating, with millions facing food insecurity and a surge in waterborne diseases. Significant regions are suffering from severe water scarcity, further indicating the urgent need for climate action to mitigate these challenges.

A recent report by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change has revealed that the extent of land affected by drought has tripled since the 1980s. In the previous year, nearly half of Earth’s land surface experienced at least one month of severe drought, compared to only 15% of the land during the 1980s. Furthermore, an alarming 30% of the global land experienced extreme drought lasting three months or longer in 2023, in stark contrast to just 5% three decades ago. The study highlights a rapid escalation in drought conditions, with significant implications for water availability, food security, public health, and the economy. Extreme drought is classified by a lack of rainfall or excessive evaporation persisting for six months or longer. Natural climatic factors coupled with human activities contribute to the complexities surrounding drought occurrences. Climate change is exacerbating this dilemma by shifting rainfall patterns, particularly alarming in regions such as South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa. In South America’s Amazon, the inexorable drought threatens to disturb local weather patterns by decimating tree populations, essential for generating rainclouds, thus fostering a vicious cycle of increased drought. Simultaneously, extreme precipitation events have surged as well; the last decade reflected a 61% increase in areas experiencing significant rainfall compared to a historical baseline from 1961 to 1990. The interplay between drought, flood, and global warming remains intricate—hotter conditions amplify soil evaporation and increase drought severity. Additionally, as ocean temperatures rise, more water enters the atmosphere, thus enhancing rainfall intensity when conditions allow. The Lancet Countdown report further elucidates the deteriorating health impacts of climate change. Last year, drought conditions rendered 151 million additional individuals food insecure compared to the 1990s, exacerbating global malnutrition rates. The incidence of heat-related fatalities among individuals aged over 65 saw a staggering 167% increase since the 1990s. Increasing occurrences of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile virus, have emerged in areas previously unaffected. Furthermore, heightened dust storms have amplified air pollution exposure for millions. “Climate is changing fast,” asserted Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown. “It is changing to conditions that we are not used to and that we did not design our systems to work around.” Various regions are suffering severe water access issues due to this exceptional drought. In northeast Syria, the ongoing drought has resulted in critically low water supplies. The city of Hasakah has experienced significant water scarcity, impacting the population’s health and sanitation efforts. Individuals now resort to creating their own wells; however, contamination raises public health concerns. Moreover, in South Sudan, drought affected 77% of the country last year, with half enduring extreme droughts for upwards of six months while simultaneously facing flooding challenges. Village elder Nyakuma lamented the deteriorating situation, stating that “when we go in the water, we get sick. And the food we eat isn’t nutritious enough.” Should greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, community resilience will be drastically overwhelmed by increasing drought and precipitation events. As 2023 marks the hottest year on record, it is imperative to note, “the higher we allow the global temperature to go, the worse things are going to be,” according to Romanello.

The report addresses the escalating global crisis of drought exacerbated by climate change, outlining alarming statistics that showcase how droughts are occurring with greater frequency and intensity than in previous decades. The growing body of evidence indicates that rapid changes in weather patterns are having dire consequences on water availability, food systems, and public health. The report signals a critical understanding of environmental changes that require immediate emphasis on climate action to mitigate further detrimental effects.

In summary, the findings from the Lancet Countdown highlight a significant surge in drought prevalence, demonstrating an alarming tripling of drought-affected land areas since the 1980s. The complexities of climate change, combined with its profound impact on public health, food security, and regional ecosystems, necessitate urgent global action to address greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate landscape.

Original Source: www.bbc.com