Global drought outlook: Trends, impacts and policies to adapt to a drier world
The OECD’s Global Drought Outlook assesses how countries can strengthen drought management to adapt to a changing climate. It provides new insights into the rising human, environmental, and economic impacts of droughts and offers practical policy solutions to minimise losses, build long-term resilience, and support adaptation to a drier future.
The global land area affected by drought has doubled since 1900, with 40% of the planet now experiencing more frequent and intense events. Many of the most extreme droughts on record – including Europe's 2022 drought and the ongoing drought in North America – have occurred in recent decades. Climate change is a key driver of this growing risk, as rising temperatures alter rainfall patterns and accelerate evaporation, reducing freshwater availability. With 4°C of warming, droughts could become up to seven times more frequent and intense compared to pre-industrial times.
Explore further
