Monday, September 9th, 2024
Author: Lisa Michelutto
Country: Italy
Photo credit: Drought.gov. https://www.drought.gov/international
SUMMARY
Drought, intensified by climate change, is a growing global crisis threatening water security and food production, particularly in Africa, North America, and Australia. Key causes include rising temperatures, deforestation, and overuse of water resources. Urgent action is needed to address its root causes and mitigate the severe impacts on ecosystems and vulnerable populations.
BACKGROUND
A growing global catastrophe that affects millions of people and ecosystems worldwide is drought. The frequency, severity, and duration of droughts are increasing as a result of increased global temperatures and climate change. Food production, water security, and the lives of vulnerable populations are all under risk due to this occurrence. Droughts are a serious environmental and humanitarian disaster that affect areas ranging from the African deserts to the agricultural heartlands of the United States.
What is drought?
Drought is a long period of time in which there is little to no rain. It can affect different sectors, like public health, agriculture and energy production. The reason is that there is a lack of water which people, animals and plants need for drinking, irrigation and other essential uses.
What are the causes of drought?
The first cause that comes to mind is climate change. Global warming with its temperatures results in a bigger evaporation of water. Moreover, it causes shifts in weather patterns.
Another problem is us human beings, with actions like deforestation and/or land degradation. These are some of the human activities that exacerbate drought conditions. Another one is the overuse of water resources. It can indeed create a situation in which some regions are more vulnerable to droughts.
Some regions are more vulnerable than others to droughts, especially the Horn of Africa, Northern America, Australia and Southern Asia. However, we should also consider Europe in this list, since even if it is not considered a very vulnerable area, there are countries that are, i.e. Italy, Spain and Greece.
What is the global situation now?
In 2024, the situation has been (and is) quite concerning. There is an urgent need for mitigation efforts. Ecosystems need multifaceted and quick care.
Food and water crises have been reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in many countries, but especially in the African continent. Zimbabwe and Zambia are currently two of the countries that are suffering the most for this situation.
The worst consequences of drought are business losses, less income, higher costs and lower human development. Urgent action is needed to tackle this global challenge. Addressing the root causes of drought could help ensure a better future for the ecosystems.
REFERENCES
Drought. gov https://www.drought.gov/international
Santander (June 20th, 2023). Drought: a global issue by the droplet. https://www.santander.com/en/stories/drought
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