Droughts in the Anthropocene

Drought is a natural hazard that occurs without warning; it can persist for many years and extend across large areas all around the world. The impacts of drought are multiple and affect the economy as well as the function of ecosystems and societies. Each year, water-related disasters, such as drought and flooding, affect approximately 160 million people, killing about 13,500 persons. Economic damages caused by drought are annually around USD 5,4 billion.

This digital presentation will explain the effects of drought all around the world through the presentation of case studies.

The Opening of the Droughts in the Anthropocene will take place on the 18 November at 01.00 pm - 03.00 pm.
At the opening, a web-based platform that provides real-time and forecast information on weather and drought conditions will be demonstrated. A new publication on case studies of droughts will be presented, and experts will discuss key issues, as well as the relevance on the platform and publication to advance drought mitigation efforts globally.

It will also feature the work of youths and young scientists based on citizen science approach.

Objectives of the presentation
- Showcase and present selected case studies from around the world related with droughts and its social, environmental and cultural impacts as well as solutions offered by the collaboration between scientist and local communities to contribute to achieve the SDGs.
- Emphasize the importance of youth from the perspective of how they are impacted by drought as well as their unique role as water professionals in creating solutions to reduce the impacts of drought.
- Highlight UNESCO-IHP work bridging science with society and policy makers to better address the impact of droughts and contribute to achieve related SDGs.
- Raise awareness on UNESCO’s intersectoral activities to tackle droughts and contribute to achieve SDGs.
- Inspire youth to get more involved in drought-related research as a means of addressing the SDGs.