Prolonged Droughts & Its Impact

Table of contents

Climate change is intensifying long-lasting, multi-year droughts (MYDs), as revealed by a 40-year study (1980–2018). These droughts are increasing in frequency, severity, and geographic spread, threatening water security, agriculture, ecosystems, & human livelihoods.
The study highlights an alarming expansion of affected land by 50,000 km² per year and worsening temperature anomalies in drought-hit regions.

Key Findings of the Study

Rising Frequency and Spread of MYDs: A total of 13,176 MYDs (lasting at least two years) were recorded, with the affected area expanding rapidly—The top 10 MYDs grew by 16,704 km² per year, while the Top 500 MYDs expanded by 49,279 km² per year.
Most Affected Regions (2010–2018): The longest MYD was in the Eastern Congo Basin (2010–2018, 1.49 million km²), followed by the Southwestern Amazon (9 years, 212,925 km²) and Central Africa & Amazon (until 2018, 287,878 km² & 139,799 km²).
El Niño’s Influence: Strong El Niño events (1998, 2010, 2015) triggered major MYDs, extending drought impacts beyond tropical regions and intensifying global drought patterns.

Multi-Dimensional Impact of Multi-Year Droughts

Environmental Consequences

Ecosystem Degradation: Forest dieback, biodiversity loss, and desertification reduce carbon sequestration, worsening climate change and food insecurity.
Water Scarcity: Drying rivers, lakes, and aquifers cause drinking water shortages, disrupt agriculture, and escalate water conflicts.
Increased Wildfires: Droughts and rising temperatures fuel wildfires, causing forest loss, carbon emissions, and severe air pollution.

Agricultural and Economic Consequences

Food Insecurity: Crop failures and declining livestock productivity disrupt global food supply chains, threatening nutrition and livelihoods.
Economic Losses: GDP declines in agrarian economies like India, Brazil, and the USA, triggering rural-to-urban migration, unemployment, and urban stress.

Societal and Political Consequences

Climate-Induced Migration: Millions are displaced from drought-hit regions, causing social unrest, as seen in Africa’s Sahel region.
Geopolitical Conflicts: Heightened water disputes (E.g., India-Pakistan Indus Water Dispute) and political instability in fragile regions like MENA.
Public Health Crisis: Rising malnutrition, famine, and increased vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue) due to shifting climate patterns.

Way Forward

Water Management: Implement rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and irrigation techniques.
Agricultural Adaptation: Promote drought-resistant crops, agroforestry, and climate-smart farming.
Disaster Preparedness: Strengthen early warning systems, build drought-resilient infrastructure, and expand crop insurance.
Policy & Governance: Enforce water regulations, enhance global cooperation on water-sharing, and mobilise climate finance.
Ecological Restoration: Expand afforestation, restore degraded lands, and curb emissions to mitigate long-term climate impacts.

The rise of multi-year droughts calls for urgent climate adaptation, sustainable resource management, & global cooperation. Proactive policies, technological solutions, & community resilience are essential to ensure water security, food stability, & environmental health.

Reference: DownToEarth

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 62

Q. The rising frequency and severity of multi-year droughts (MYDs) due to climate change is a growing global concern. Discuss the impacts of MYDs and suggest measures to mitigate these challenges. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Introduce the answer by mentioning the rising frequency of multi-year droughts.
Body: Define the impacts of multi-year Droughts (MYD) and measures to mitigate MYD challenges.
Conclusion: Write a conclusion highlighting the need for a long-term adaptation.