Humanity faces a "new era of drought" with systemic risks threatening food security, economies, and ecosystems worldwide, according to Daniel Tsegai, a program officer at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). In a recent interview, Tsegai emphasized that intensifying drought conditions now pose cross-border challenges requiring urgent international cooperation.
"Drought is no longer a localized or temporary issue," Tsegai stated. "Climate change has amplified its frequency and severity, creating cascading effects on agriculture, energy production, and social stability." Asia remains particularly vulnerable, with recent water shortages impacting crop yields in South Asia and disrupting manufacturing supply chains in Southeast Asia.
The UNCCD report highlights how drought-related economic losses have risen 29% since 2000, disproportionately affecting developing nations. Investors are urged to consider climate resilience in infrastructure projects, while researchers warn of potential mass migrations from arid regions.
As global temperatures rise, Tsegai called for integrated water management strategies and early warning systems. "This is not just an environmental issue—it\'s a matter of global economic security," he added, pointing to collaborative initiatives between the Chinese mainland and Central Asian countries as potential models.
