NEWS – 75% of Global Population to Face Drought by 2050: Key Insights and Actions

HIGHLIGHTS

The Challenge: Increasing Drought Risk

• Prediction: By 2050, 75% of the global population is expected to experience drought, per the UNCCD’s Drought Atlas.
• Causes: Drought is exacerbated by human activities like unsustainable water use, poor land management, and urbanization.
• Case Study: India’s agricultural sector, with over 25 million workers, faces significant risks, including projected soybean yield losses.

Human Factors Worsening Droughts

• Urbanization and poor planning, as seen in Chennai’s 2019 “Day Zero” water crisis.
• Mismanagement of water resources leading to social tensions and riots, as observed in India (2020–2023).

Call to Action at Global and Local Levels

• Policy Changes: Immediate action at policy levels to address water and land management.
• International Cooperation: Participation in cross-sectoral commitments to tackle droughts effectively.

The Role of Data and Early Warnings

• Reliable monitoring and forecasting systems are crucial for reducing drought impacts.
• Data Sharing: Enhances knowledge and enables early warnings to build resilience.

Adaptation Guidelines from the Drought Atlas

• Governance Measures:
  • Early warning systems.
  • Microinsurance for smallholder farmers.
  • Water pricing schemes.
• Land-use Management:
  • Land restoration.
  • Agroforestry practices.
• Water Management:
  • Reuse of wastewater.
  • Managed groundwater recharge.

International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA)

• Founded in 2022, IDRA supports funding, innovation, and knowledge-sharing for drought mitigation.
• Collaborated on the Drought Atlas to showcase best practices and impactful strategies.

Economic and Social Impacts

• Droughts affect energy, trade, and agriculture, with cascading impacts across multiple sectors.
• Vulnerable populations face amplified risks due to dependency on natural resources.

Importance of a Systemic Perspective

• The Atlas emphasizes interconnected risks and the need for whole-of-society approaches to drought management.

Proactive and Prospective Approaches Needed

• Adopting forward-thinking strategies to mitigate risks and build resilience.
• Encouraging innovative decision-making processes for sustainable outcomes