Drought Affected Land Surface Triples Since 1980s, Study Reveals

A recent report by the Lancet Countdown indicates a significant increase in drought-affected land globally, tripling since the 1980s, with 48% of land experiencing extreme drought conditions in the past year. Concurrently, the report notes heightened instances of extreme rainfall, linking these phenomena to climate change and outlining the adverse effects on food security and public health.

A comprehensive study published by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change reveals that the expanse of land affected by drought has increased threefold since the 1980s. In the past year alone, 48% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface experienced at least one month of extreme drought, in stark contrast to the 15% average recorded during the 1980s. Alarmingly, approximately 30% of the global population endured extreme drought conditions for a duration exceeding three months in 2023, compared to a mere 5% in the 1980s. This report represents the latest global insights into the alarming acceleration of drought phenomena, which pose significant threats to water availability, food security, public health, and possibly even energy supply and transport networks. The definition of extreme drought is based on thresholds of six months of insufficient rainfall or high evaporation rates. The report discusses the complex causes behind individual drought occurrences, which are influenced by various factors including natural climatic events and anthropogenic land-use practices. Notably, climate change is altering global rainfall patterns and rendering regions increasingly susceptible to drought, with South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa being particularly affected. In South America, drought conditions are disrupting essential rainfall cycles, particularly within the Amazon basin, as the impoverishment of local ecosystems adversely affects weather patterns. Concurrently, while extensive areas are drying, the last decade has also witnessed a rise in extreme rainfall, with 61% of the world experiencing increased rainfall intensity as of recent assessments. The intricate relationship between droughts, floods, and global warming lies in how elevated temperatures facilitate more rapid evaporation of surface water, exacerbating drought conditions. Additionally, warming oceans release moisture into the atmosphere, resulting in more significant rainfall when conditions shift. The health implication of these ongoing climatic changes has reached critical levels, as drought conditions left an additional 151 million individuals facing food insecurity in 2023 compared to the 1990s. Moreover, heat-related fatalities among individuals aged 65 and over surged by 167% compared to rates recorded in the 1990s.

The topic under discussion relates to the significant escalation of drought conditions globally, scrutinized through recent findings by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. The report indicates a stark increase in drought-affected areas since the 1980s, correlating directly with the ramifications of climate change. Understanding these drought patterns requires an examination of both climatic shifts and human variables that influence water availability. The implications of these changes are multifaceted, impacting health, agriculture, and overall societal stability.

In summary, the recent analysis indicates an alarming tripling of drought-affected land since the 1980s, particularly evident in over one-third of the planet experiencing prolonged extreme droughts. Climate change remains a formidable contributor to this escalation, transforming rainfall patterns and exacerbating both drought and flooding phenomena. The implications for public health and food security are dire, necessitating immediate attention and action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further climatic deterioration. As emphasized by experts, the current changes in climate could reach a critical threshold beyond which adaptation may become unfeasible, resulting in severe and unavoidable consequences.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk