A recent Lancet Countdown report reveals that areas affected by drought have tripled since the 1980s, with 48% of Earth’s land experiencing extreme drought last year. This poses significant risks to water supply, food security, and health, especially in regions such as South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa. The increase in drought parallels a rise in extreme rainfall and health impacts, demanding immediate action against climate change.
A recent report indicates a dramatic increase in the size of drought-affected areas globally, with the extent of drought land tripling since the 1980s. According to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, as of the past year, 48% of the Earth’s land surface experienced at least one month of extreme drought, compared to merely 15% in the 1980s. Furthermore, nearly 30% of the world encountered extreme drought conditions lasting three months or more in 2023, an astounding rise from 5% three decades prior. This study provides significantly updated global data on the acceleration of drought, which presents immediate threats to essential resources such as water, food security, and public health. Increased drought is particularly visible in South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa, with the Amazon Basin being notably impacted. The situation is compounded by simultaneous increases in extreme rainfall—61% of global regions have reported more frequent instances compared to the historical average between 1961 and 1990. The dual threat of insufficient rainfall and floods exacerbates the complexities associated with climate change and water availability. The implications of increased drought are dire, with an additional 151 million individuals exposed to food insecurity last year alone. The report observed a significant surge in heat-related mortality among individuals over 65 years of age, exacerbating the crisis. Concurrently, conditions have fostered a rise in mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria in areas previously unaffected. Air pollution due to dust storms has also escalated, affecting millions. Individuals living in extreme drought conditions, such as those in Hasakah, Syria, face a shortage of accessible clean water, leading to health hazards and further societal strain. In South Sudan, a staggering 77% of the population experienced at least one month of drought in the previous year while simultaneously contending with flooding—a juxtaposition that highlights the profound changes in climate patterns. Climate change is stirring a transformation in global weather patterns, compelling urgent action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Unless measures are taken to reduce these emissions, future scenarios will likely include more frequent droughts and intensified rainfall. The intense conditions of 2023 have marked it as the hottest year on record, prompting experts to warn that we are nearing a critical point in our capacity to adapt to climate crises. Addressing these challenges proactively is essential to avert more severe repercussions.
The report from the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change sheds light on the escalating severity of drought conditions worldwide over the past few decades. Notably, it highlights alarming statistics indicating that nearly half of the Earth’s land surface faced extreme drought conditions in 2023, vastly up from previous decades. These changes are attributed to broader climate change issues, including shifting rainfall patterns that produce both drought and abnormal rainfall events. Understanding the interplay between these phenomena is crucial for addressing implications for food security, public health, and resource availability.
This analysis underscores the growing crisis of droughts exacerbated by climate change, with significant increases in drought-affected areas and severe public health consequences. The dual challenge of escalating drought conditions and extreme rainfall necessitates immediate global action to address climate change and enhance resilience against its negative impacts. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the likelihood of further climate crisis intensifies, suggesting that adaptive capacities will soon be outstripped, triggering severe repercussions for communities worldwide.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
