Drought is among the most destructive climate-related disasters, affecting food production, water availability, biodiversity, and social well-being. Driven by climate change, population growth, and pressure on natural resources, droughts are becoming more frequent, prolonged, and intense.
Central Asia and southern Russia are highly vulnerable. The region relies heavily on transboundary rivers originating in glacier-fed mountains, making it sensitive to declining snowfall, glacier melt, and competing water demands.
According to UNCCD, the frequency and duration of droughts have increased by 29% since 2000. By 2050, nearly 75% of the global population could face water scarcity if proactive measures are not taken.
Recurring droughts not only reduce crop yields, but also shrink pasturelands, increase water conflicts, accelerate land degradation, and trigger rural-to-urban migration. Drought years are also marked by dust storms and desertification risks.
Water and land are interconnected. Loss of water leads to soil infertility, while land degradation reduces water retention and ecosystem resilience. An integrated approach is therefore crucial—linking land restoration, water management, and climate adaptation.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification promotes a Global Drought Initiative, encouraging countries to develop drought preparedness plans, early warning systems, and enhanced intersectoral and transboundary cooperation.
Key measures for Central Asia and Russia include:
Modernizing irrigation systems and scaling up drip irrigation;
Enhancing drought and climate monitoring through satellite technology;
Protecting glaciers and river sources;
Developing integrated policies that manage water and land in tandem.
