UNCCD: World Drought Atlas

The publication was unveiled at UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, as leaders convened to address desertification and drought. Droughts, once localized, now increasingly affect every continent, with projections indicating that by 2050, three-quarters of the global population could face their effects.

The Atlas underscores the far-reaching consequences of drought, including food insecurity, forced migration, and conflicts over scarce resources. It advocates for proactive measures to mitigate impacts, such as water governance reforms and leveraging traditional knowledge for resilience-building.

By presenting interconnected risks and opportunities for action, the Atlas serves as a tool for informed decision-making, and emphasizes the need for inclusive strategies that prioritize sustainability and resilience to secure a safer future for all.

• Explore the Atlas here.