A new study reveals that extreme drought conditions have tripled since the 1980s, impacting nearly half of the Earth’s land surface in 2022. Concurrently, around 30% of the globe faced extreme drought lasting three months or more. Climate change is significantly shifting rainfall patterns, affecting food security and public health, as many are now facing intensified drought along with increased heavy rainfall. Immediate action is needed to mitigate these escalating climate crises.
A recent report has revealed that the extent of land affected by drought has increased threefold since the 1980s, highlighting a concerning trend in the impact of climate change. According to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, nearly half (48%) of the Earth’s land experienced at least one month of severe drought last year, a significant rise from an average of 15% during the 1980s. Furthermore, approximately 30% of the globe experienced extreme drought conditions lasting for three months or longer in 2023, compared to a mere 5% in the 1980s. The findings of this study illustrate a dramatic acceleration in the occurrence and severity of droughts worldwide. The threshold for defining extreme drought occurs after six months of insufficient rainfall or excessive evaporation. This condition poses immediate threats to water supply, sanitation, food security, public health, and even extends its repercussions to energy production, transportation systems, and economic stability. Factors contributing to individual droughts are multifaceted, encompassing both natural weather phenomena and human activities. However, climate change is significantly altering global precipitation patterns, thereby increasing the vulnerability of certain regions, with South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa facing particularly grave consequences. In the Amazon basin, for instance, intensified droughts disrupt critical weather patterns and lead to a destructive feedback loop. Despite the growing prevalence of drought, the past decade has also seen a marked increase in extreme rainfall events, with 61% of the world experiencing greater levels of intense precipitation compared to data from 1961-1990. This paradox is linked to climate change, as warmer oceans lead to enhanced evaporation rates, which in turn fuel heavier rainfall. The health ramifications of these climatic changes are striking. Last year, drought conditions exposed an additional 151 million individuals to food insecurity, exacerbating malnutrition levels. The report also indicated a 167% rise in heat-related deaths among seniors compared to figures from the 1990s. Concurrently, there is an uptick in mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue fever, compounded by an increase in dust storms resulting in heightened air pollution exposure. Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The climate is changing fast. It is changing to conditions that we are not used to and that we did not design our systems to work around.” The consequences of these changes are particularly evident in regions like northeast Syria and Iraq, where extreme drought has led to severe water shortages, compelling residents to dig potentially contaminated wells for drinking water. South Sudan mirrors this distress, with 77% of its land affected by drought last year, while simultaneously grappling with flooding that has impacted over 700,000 people. The deteriorating conditions have hindered access to clean water, leading to health crises and food shortages, thus illustrating the intricate relationship between droughts and flooding exacerbated by climate change. In light of the data, Romanello warned that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will face increasingly severe droughts and rainfall episodes. “The higher we allow the global temperature to go, the worse things are going to be,” she cautioned.
The increase in the frequency and severity of droughts globally has been linked directly to the effects of climate change, which has fundamentally altered precipitation patterns. As various regions become more susceptible to these extremes, the repercussions are felt across multiple sectors, including agriculture, health, and socioeconomic stability. The 1980s serve as a crucial benchmark, marking a time before the dramatic escalation in drought occurrences began. The information presented in this article underscores the connection between climate change and shifting environmental conditions, manifesting in both drought and increased heavy rainfall. Furthermore, the escalating health risks related to these phenomena exemplify the urgent need for comprehensive climate action.
In summary, the report by the Lancet Countdown highlights a significant escalation in drought conditions over the past several decades, with dire implications for global health, food security, and water availability. The juxtaposition of increased drought alongside extreme rainfall underscores the complexities of climate change and its multifaceted effects on the planet. Without immediate and concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the frequency and intensity of these climatic extremes are projected to worsen, leading to untold consequences for humanity.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
