The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre launched the World Drought Atlas on December 2, 2024. According to the atlas, by 2050, approximately 75% of the global population will be affected by droughts. This alarming forecast highlights the urgent need for action and resilience-building efforts.
UNCCD 16th Meeting: Focus on Resilience
The release of the World Drought Atlas coincides with the 16th meeting of UNCCD parties in Riyadh, where the focus is on strengthening resilience against future droughts. The atlas, co-produced with Cima Research Foundation (Italy), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (The Netherlands), and the UN University Institute for Environment and Human Security (Germany), sheds light on the multifaceted impact of droughts on energy, trade, and agriculture.
The Role of Human Factors in Droughts
The atlas emphasizes that drought is not merely a natural phenomenon. Human actions, such as poor land management, unsustainable water use, and competition for water resources, significantly exacerbate drought conditions. Bernard Magenhann, Acting Director General of the European Commission Joint Research Centre, noted that these human factors can amplify the impacts of droughts.
Drought and Its Impact on Agriculture in India
For India, a country with more than 25 million people working in agriculture, understanding the relationship between drought and crop failure is crucial. The atlas forecasts severe soybean yield losses due to droughts in India. It also highlighted Chennai’s ‘Day Zero’ water crisis in 2019, which resulted from a combination of water mismanagement, urbanization, and poor groundwater management, despite the city receiving ample rainfall.
Water Mismanagement and Tensions in India
The mismanagement of water resources in India between 2020 and 2023 led to increased tensions and riots, according to the atlas. Sub-Saharan Africa is also expected to face similar challenges in the coming years.
The Need for Urgent Action
Experts emphasize the urgent need for policy-level intervention to address drought risk. International cooperation across sectors and data sharing are key to reducing drought damage. Early warning systems and investment in forecasting, knowledge, and risk measurement are critical for building resilience.
Solutions for Reducing Drought Impacts
The International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), which supported the development of the atlas, suggests that effective soil and agronomical management practices can mitigate the impact of droughts on crops. IDRA is also working on mobilizing funds and improving knowledge sharing to create sustainable drought resilience solutions.
Call to Action
Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of UNCCD, called on nations to review the findings of the atlas and take action to ensure a more resilient, secure, and sustainable future. Proactive drought management and adaptation strategies are necessary to manage risks effectively.
Conclusion
The World Drought Atlas stresses that to mitigate drought risk, communities, regions, and countries must adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach. The atlas provides guidance on effective drought management, underlining the interconnected nature of drought risks and their impacts on various sectors.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. According to the World Drought Atlas, what percentage of the global population will be affected by droughts by 2050?
a) 50%
b) 60%
c) 75%
d) 85%
Answer: c) 75%
2. Which city experienced a ‘Day Zero’ water crisis in 2019 due to water mismanagement and urbanization?
a) Mumbai
b) Chennai
c) Delhi
d) Bangalore
Answer: b) Chennai
3. Which organization co-produced the World Drought Atlas alongside the UNCCD and European Commission Joint Research Centre?
a) NASA
b) Cima Research Foundation
c) World Bank
d) International Red Cross
Answer: b) Cima Research Foundation
4. What is one of the human factors that exacerbate drought conditions?
a) Sustainable farming practices
b) Proper land management
c) Unsustainable water use
d) Effective water conservation policies
Answer: c) Unsustainable water use
5. What is the key approach needed to successfully manage drought risks, as highlighted by the atlas?
a) Reactive drought management
b) Proactive and prospective approaches
c) Ignoring climate change
d) Focusing only on immediate relief
Answer: b) Proactive and prospective approaches