Drought is becoming a pressing global issue. The World Drought Atlas predicts that by 2050, around 75% of the world’s population will face drought conditions. This report was released during the UNCCD’s 16th meeting in Riyadh. It marks the urgent need for effective drought management strategies.
About Drought
Drought is not merely a natural phenomenon. Human factors contribute to its severity. Poor land management, unsustainable water usage, and inadequate accounting of water resources exacerbate drought conditions. It is crucial to recognise these factors in order to mitigate their impact.
Impact on Agriculture
Agriculture is particularly vulnerable to drought. In India, over 25 million people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. The atlas warns of soybean yield losses due to drought. Historical events, such as the ‘Day Zero’ water crisis in Chennai in 2019, illustrate the consequences of mismanaged water resources.
Data and Monitoring
Effective drought management relies on data. Monitoring and forecasting systems are essential for risk management. Data sharing across sectors can enhance preparedness and resilience. Early warning systems are critical in reducing drought-related risks.
International Cooperation
Global cooperation is vital in combating drought. The atlas calls for active participation from nations. Collaborations across various sectors will strengthen the response to drought. International commitments are necessary for sustainable water management practices.
Innovative Solutions
Investment in innovative practices is essential. The International Drought Resilience Alliance advocates for improved soil and agronomic management. These practices can reduce the impact of drought on crops. Mobilising funds for research and development is also crucial.
Proactive Approaches
Communities must adopt proactive drought management strategies. This involves rethinking decision-making processes at all levels. A whole-of-society approach is necessary to address interconnected drought risks. Decision-makers should be guided by systemic perspectives on drought impacts.
Call for Action
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Ibrahim Thiaw, executive-secretary of UNCCD, emphasises the need for immediate action. Nations must prioritise the needs of people and the planet to build a sustainable future.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the role of human factors in exacerbating drought conditions.
- Discuss the significance of data sharing in drought risk management and preparedness.
- What are the key impacts of drought on agriculture? Illustrate with suitable examples.
- Explain the importance of international cooperation in addressing global drought challenges.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically examine the role of human factors in exacerbating drought conditions.
- Poor land management practices, such as deforestation and overgrazing, reduce soil quality and water retention.
- Unsustainable water usage, including excessive extraction from rivers and aquifers, depletes vital water resources.
- Urbanization leads to increased water demand and mismanagement, as seen in Chennai’s ‘Day Zero’ crisis.
- Inadequate accounting for water resources results in poor planning and allocation, exacerbating drought impacts.
- Socio-economic factors, including competition for water among agricultural, industrial, and domestic users, intensify the situation.
2. Discuss the significance of data sharing in drought risk management and preparedness.
- Data sharing enhances collaboration between sectors, improving overall drought response strategies.
- Effective monitoring and forecasting systems rely on accurate data to predict drought occurrences and impacts.
- Early warning systems, supported by data, can reduce risks and prepare communities for drought conditions.
- Shared data encourages knowledge transfer and innovation in drought management practices across regions.
- International cooperation in data sharing can lead to more comprehensive and effective drought policies.
3. What are the key impacts of drought on agriculture? Illustrate with suitable examples.
- Drought leads to reduced crop yields, particularly for staple crops like soybeans, as predicted for India.
- Water scarcity affects livestock health and productivity, threatening food security and livelihoods.
- Increased competition for water resources can lead to conflicts among agricultural sectors and communities.
- Historical examples, such as the 2019 Chennai water crisis, highlight the severe consequences of mismanaged water resources.
- Long-term drought can result in land degradation and decreased agricultural viability, affecting future generations.
4. Explain the importance of international cooperation in addressing global drought challenges.
- Global cooperation facilitates the sharing of best practices and resources to combat drought effectively.
- International commitments can lead to unified strategies for sustainable water management across borders.
- Collaborative research initiatives can enhance knowledge and innovation in drought resilience practices.
- Participating nations can pool financial resources to support drought-affected regions and communities.
- International frameworks can help establish guidelines for proactive drought risk management and adaptation strategies.
