By Scout Nelson
A new report by the National Drought Mitigation Center and the United Nations highlights the growing effects of drought around the world since 2023. Released on July 2 in Seville, Spain, the report outlines critical threats to food, water, energy, and human well-being.
“This is simply not just another dry spell,” said Mark Svoboda, report co-author. “This is a global catastrophe covering millions of square miles and affecting millions of people, among the worst I’ve ever seen.”
Drawing on over 250 sources, the report focuses on drought hotspots in Africa, the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. It shows how El Niño, heat, and population stress worsened drought in already fragile regions.
“The Mediterranean countries represent canaries in the coal mine for all modern economies,” said Svoboda. “No country, regardless of wealth or capacity, can afford to be complacent.”
Kelly Helm Smith, co-author and researcher, explained how drought deeply affects vulnerable communities. “Drought impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, those with chronic illness, subsistence farmers and agropastoralists,” she said.
The report shares alarming examples: girls forced into marriage, hospitals losing power, and families digging for water in dry riverbeds. “These are signs of severe crisis,” said lead author Paula Guastello.
Child marriage rates more than doubled in drought-hit Ethiopian regions, as families sought dowries and reduced household burdens despite legal bans.
“As droughts intensify, it is critical that we work together on a global scale to protect the most vulnerable people and ecosystems,” Guastello added.
Smith called drought “a social, economic and environmental emergency,” stressing the need for water-efficient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and improved access to food, health care, and education.
“The nations of the world have the resources and knowledge to prevent a lot of suffering,” said Smith. “The question is, do we have the will?”
Photo Credit:gettyimages-zhuda
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy, Weather