“Rising up from drought together”, is the theme of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought marked on 17 June 2022. Desertification and Drought Day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly as “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought". The objectives of Desertification and Drought Day are:
- To promote public awareness of the issue
- To let people know that desertification and drought can be effectively tackled, that solutions are possible, and that key tools to this aim lay in strengthened community participation and cooperation at all levels.
- To strengthen implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa.
This year’s global observance of Desertification and Drought Day will take place in Madrid, Spain. Spain is vulnerable to drought, water shortages and connected climate change impacts. The Spanish Government is at the forefront of dealing with these issues and has best practice to share.
Drought is one of the most destructive natural disasters in terms of the loss of life arising from impacts, such as widescale crop failure, wildfires, and water stress. Exacerbated by land degradation and climate change, droughts are increasing in frequency and severity, up 29% since 2000, with 55 million people affected every year. By 2050, droughts may affect an estimated three-quarters of the world’s population. It’s a global and urgent issue.
Key messages
- Droughts have always been a part of nature and the human experience but are now much worse largely due to human activity.
- Hardly any country is immune to drought, but all countries can prepare better to tackle drought effectively.
- Drought is daunting, as its effects on people’s lives and livelihoods are devastating. But through ingenuity, commitment, and solidarity, it can be addressed successfully.
- Tools are available to assess drought risk. Solutions exist to ensure lives and livelihoods are no longer lost to drought.
- Everyone can participate in actions that increase our collective resilience because every action counts.
- Take action on this year’s the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought and beyond.
- Action can be taken at all levels, from citizens, businesses, governments and United Nations partners, everyone can come on board and lend a helping hand to rise up from drought together.
“Drought is not just the absence of rain; it is often fuelled by land degradation and climate change. Together, we can overcome its devastating effects on people and nature around the world and start preparing now to drought-proof our future.” - Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17 June 2022 (3.76 MB)
