Drought is emerging as one of the most complex and far-reaching global risks, with recent events becoming more frequent, faster in onset, and more persistent. These evolving drought dynamics are increasingly shaped by the interaction of climate change, land and water management practices, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and compound and cascading hazards. As a result, drought impacts now extend well beyond water scarcity, affecting food security, ecosystems, public health, economic stability, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
This Nature Water article brings together insights from the global drought community following discussions at UNCCD COP16 and the Drought Resilience +10 Conference. It highlights key challenges in strengthening drought resilience, including gaps in risk assessment and forecasting, insufficient monitoring of drought impacts, fragmented governance, and inadequate investment. The article emphasizes that drought is not solely a climate-driven phenomenon but a systemic risk shaped by human decisions, inequalities, and environmental degradation. Addressing these challenges requires moving beyond reactive crisis management toward proactive, risk-based and inclusive approaches.
The authors outline the need for integrated drought management that combines improved early warning systems, innovative risk and impact assessments, whole-of-society governance, and sustained financial commitments. Protecting ecosystems, addressing the root causes of vulnerability, strengthening cooperation across sectors and borders, and fostering transformative solutions are identified as essential pathways toward drought-resilient futures.
If you have issues in accessing the full article, please contact us at droughtmanagement@wmo.int.