A recent Lancet Countdown study reveals a dramatic increase in drought-affected land since the 1980s, with 48% of Earth experiencing extreme drought last year compared to 15% in the 1980s. Almost a third of the world faced severe drought for three months or more in 2023, closely linked to rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns due to climate change, leading to widespread food insecurity and health issues. Immediate action is essential to address these challenges and mitigate further climate impacts.

A recent study conducted by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change has revealed alarming trends concerning drought conditions around the globe, indicating that the land area affected by drought has increased threefold since the 1980s. In 2022, 48% of Earth’s land experienced at least one month of extreme drought, a significant rise from an average of 15% in the 1980s. Furthermore, about 30% of the world faced extreme drought conditions for three months or longer in 2023, in stark contrast to just 5% during the 1980s. The report emphasizes the speed at which these changes are occurring and highlights that the threshold for extreme drought was reached after prolonged periods of low rainfall or elevated evaporation rates. This escalation in drought poses immediate concerns for water supply, sanitation, food security, and public health, while also impacting energy supplies, transportation, and the economy. The factors contributing to these droughts are complex, involving a mix of natural weather patterns and human land use. However, climate change is notably altering global rainfall distribution, rendering numerous regions increasingly susceptible to drought. Notably, South America, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa are experiencing severe drought conditions, with the Amazon rainforest showing signs that it is on the verge of permanent change due to increasingly frequent droughts which destroy trees essential for maintaining balanced rainfall patterns. Concurrently, there has been a rise in extreme rainfall in 61% of the world over the past decade when compared to averages from 1961-1990. The interplay between droughts and floods is indicative of broader climate issues where rising temperatures exacerbate evaporation and thus dry conditions. Yet, enhanced precipitation occurs as well—due to a warming atmosphere’s capacity to hold more moisture—which complicates the overall climate scenario. Health impacts resulting from climate change are reaching unprecedented levels, with 151 million additional people affected by food insecurity last year compared to the 1990s. This has led to increased instances of malnutrition and a staggering 167% rise in heat-related fatalities among individuals over 65. Moreover, the emergence of mosquito-borne diseases has surged, with dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile virus spreading into new regions. Dust storms have also intensified, leading to heightened air pollution risks. As articulated by Marina Romanello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown, “The climate is changing fast… to conditions that we are not used to and that we did not design our systems to work around.” The dire repercussions of water scarcity are discernible in areas such as Hasakah in Syria, where recent years have seen the river systems dry up, culminating in widespread water shortages and consequent health issues among the population. In South Sudan, a staggering 77% of the nation faced drought conditions last year, compounded by significant flooding that has left many vulnerable and suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Local experiences reflect the desperate state of affairs created by these climatic challenges, illustrating the dire need for immediate action to confront the ramifications of climate change.

The investigation into drought enhancement reveals a critical aspect of climate change, especially the relationship between rising global temperatures and alterations in precipitation patterns. This alarming trend of intensified drought across the world is compounded by increasing instances of extreme rainfall, illustrating the paradox of a warming planet. Regions such as South America and the Horn of Africa are particularly affected, showcasing the urgent need for comprehensive data and strategies to navigate these challenges. The health consequences of climate-induced changes are also stark, directly impacting populations already vulnerable due to food insecurity and climate instability.

The findings of the Lancet Countdown study emphasize the urgent need for global awareness and action in the face of escalating droughts linked to climate change. The tripling of land affected by drought since the 1980s indicates a significant shift that requires immediate attention and intervention. As the interplay between droughts, floods, and health consequences reveals, the continuation of current trends could lead to dire circumstances if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed and adaptive strategies are not implemented. A collective response is essential to mitigate potential catastrophic impacts of a changing climate.

Original Source: www.bbc.com