The devastating impacts of drought reach much further than the dry regions of our planet. Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe across all continents – an omen of a world where freshwater and fertile soils are increasingly scarce. In extreme cases, drought triggers famine, forced migration and even conflicts.

Mortality related to droughts represents around 60 percent of the total deaths caused by extreme weather events, while droughts represent only 15 percent of natural disasters.[1] Between 1998 and 2017, droughts have led to global economic losses of approximately USD 124 billion.[2] Currently, forecasts estimate that by 2050, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population.

Heatwaves, sand and dust storms, and desertification are the symptoms of over-exploitation aimed at constant growth, material prosperity for some, uncurbed population development, and an economy that still heavily relies on nonrenewable energy sources.

Drought is not just the absence of rain; it is fueled by land degradation and the climate crisis.

Recent scientific studies on drought point to a precarious future for the world and all nation-states, far beyond just those in arid regions. This wake-up call is louder and clearer than ever before.
The fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNCCD (COP15) is taking place from 9 to 20 May 2022 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and among its top priorities should be a full global commitment to drought preparedness and resilience in all global regions. This can only be accomplished by promoting public awareness about desertification and drought, and by letting people know that desertification and drought can be effectively tackled.

The solutions exist, and key tools are strengthening cooperation at all levels, managing drought risk proactively, and building an ecosystem restoration economy that aims to rejuvenate - water cycles, land fertility and people’s livelihoods at the same time.