World Drought Atlas warns about the growing water threat by 2050.

The recent launch of the 'Global Drought Atlas' by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has shaken global awareness regarding the growing threat posed by droughts, which could affect three out of four people in the world by 2050. This document not only provides a chilling overview of what lies ahead but also highlights the lack of preparedness of many countries for this devastating phenomenon. In a context where droughts are becoming a "new normal," it is urgent for governments and societies to become aware and take action.

During the opening of the 16th summit on desertification in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, experts warned that the risks associated with droughts are interconnected with other critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, and international trade. The lack of a coherent global strategy to address these risks could trigger a series of cascading effects that exacerbate inequalities and conflicts, in addition to threatening public health. Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UNCCD, emphasized the need for world leaders to rethink how they manage drought risk.

The Atlas, co-produced by several academic and research institutions, illuminates the interrelationship between droughts and their multiple impacts. From the reduction in hydroelectric power generation to the disruption of international trade, the effects of droughts are broad and deep. For example, the Panama Canal has faced difficulties due to insufficient water levels, highlighting how a lack of water can hinder international trade and, consequently, global economic growth.

Agriculture, which consumes around 70% of the world's freshwater, is one of the sectors most vulnerable to droughts. The interdependence of food supply, land, and water becomes critical in a context where agricultural products travel through global supply chains, often exacerbating water stress in producing countries. Small farmers and marginalized communities are the most affected, as they lack the resources to adapt to changing conditions.

Moreover, the Atlas highlights that no country is immune to the risks of drought. The case studies presented, ranging from the Great Plains in the United States to the Yangtze River basin in China, demonstrate that all countries can and must prepare better. The frequency of droughts has increased by 29% since the year 2000, a trend closely linked to climate change and the unsustainable management of natural resources.

The impacts of droughts are not limited to the environmental realm; they also directly affect public health. Dependence on hydroelectric energy can put communities at risk during drought periods, especially in times of extreme heat. This can translate into increased hospitalizations and deaths, as people cannot access essential cooling means.

In light of these alarming projections, the Atlas proposes concrete measures that governments can implement to mitigate the effects of droughts. These measures are grouped into three categories: governance, land use management, and water supply and use management. From early warning systems to water resource conservation, the knowledge and tools to enhance resilience are already available, but it is the responsibility of nations to act.

The call to action is clear: the decisions made today will shape the future for the next generations. As Hugo Morán, Secretary of State for the Environment of Spain, points out, it is a collective imperative to work towards a drought-resilient future. Policies must be strategic and holistic, taking into account not only economic sectors but also the vulnerable communities facing the worst consequences.

Time is a critical factor. With the summit in Riyadh as a backdrop, delegates have the opportunity to change the course of this situation. The interconnectedness of drought risks demands a coordinated and global approach. While the situation is serious, there is room for hope if the right measures are taken and collaboration occurs. The international community must unite to face this imminent crisis before it is too late.