The global threat of drying lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections

For the first time, the aridity crisis has been documented with scientific clarity, revealing an existential threat affecting billions around the globe. In recent decades some 7.6% of global lands – an area larger than Canada – were pushed across aridity threshold. For 2.3 billion people – well over 25% of the world’s population – living in the expanding drylands, this new normal requires lasting, adaptive solutions.

This report argues that sustainable adaptation measures are crucial to address the escalating challenges of climate change and aridity and argues for sectoral adaptation approaches linked to sustainable agriculture and water management, as well as for education, awareness and governance of aridity and aridity responses. The report highlights effective and sustainable adaptation practices for aridity, together with a comprehensive set of recommendations.