Global drought has caused crisis levels of food and water shortages

As we approach the second half of 2024, a worrying trend has taken hold around the world. Temperatures soared to unprecedented heights, pushing the global average to an unprecedented 17.16 °C (62.89 °F) in July and intensifying drought conditions worldwide.

This searing escalation of global heat is not isolated – its consequences are reflected in ecosystems, economies and the daily lives of millions of people.

Impacts of global drought

Such extreme heat has culminated in accelerated evaporation of soil water, leaving vegetation in a fragile state and stressing biodiversity in many regions of the world.

Coupled with atypically low rainfall, major river basins such as the Amazon, La Plata and Zambezi have seen shrinking water flows, which has significantly affected the wider ecosystems and economies associated with them. (Rodielon Putol, more at earth.com)