74% of Drought-Prone Regions at Risk by 2100: Urgent Climate Action Needed
A grim new forecast warns that by 2100, 74% of today's drought-prone regions could face severe and persistent drought under high emission scenarios. This alarming prediction highlights the urgent need for global action on climate change.
The report reveals that almost three-quarters of today's drought-prone regions will struggle to provide water to their residents due to extreme water scarcity by the end of the century. Some regions, including parts of the Mediterranean, southern Africa, and North America, may experience severe water scarcity as early as this decade.
Climate change, heatwaves, and low-rainfall dry periods are set to become more frequent and longer-lasting, increasing the risk of 'Day-Zero-Droughts'. These events occur when water supplies collapse drastically, and cities are particularly at risk. Metropolises like Rome, Cape Town, and Chennai have already faced close calls.
New projections indicate that up to 753 million people worldwide, including 467 million in urban areas, could be affected by 'Day-Zero-Droughts' by the end of the century. This includes 286 million people in rural areas. Such events occur due to factors like low rainfall, high evaporation, and unsustainable water use.
Under a moderate climate protection scenario, 51% of today's drought-prone regions will still be at high risk by 2100. These findings underscore the urgent need for global climate action and for cities to adopt water-saving plans. The future of water security hangs in the balance.
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