What is the phenomenon of drought?

What is the phenomenon of drought?

The phenomenon of drought is one of the challenges facing the world today, and this is after it has become a phenomenon that greatly affects the environment and all societies, and a cause of scarcity of fresh water and water resources in general globally. This is why it is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To ensure sustainable development, drought must be effectively addressed by applyingwater conservation technologies, directing people to more sustainable consumption methods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. We must also raise awareness of the importance of preserving water resources, and supportinternational cooperationin effective water management.

Definition of drought phenomenon

The phenomenon of drought is defined – according to the websiteWorld Health Organization– as a long period of drought in the natural climate cycle, and it can occur anywhere around the world. It is a slow-developing disaster, and one of its characteristicsis the retention of rain, which leads to a shortage of water and a weakness in its resources. Therefore, drought can seriously affect health, agriculture, economy, energy and the environment.

Drought, in addition to the previous damage, causes harm to millions of people around the world. It is the biggest threat to people’s livelihoods, as it is considered a factor in increasing infection ratesdeadly diseases, and it is also considered more dangerous to livestock and crops.

The rise in temperatures caused by climate change makes areas with dry climates drier and more humid. When temperatures rise in those areas, water evaporates at a faster rate. Consequently, the risk of drought becomes more severe and lasts longer. This extreme danger is reflected in all the disasters resulting fromnatural hazards in the past decades, in addition to floods, tropical cyclones, heat waves, and severe storms.

Causes of drought

There are many reasons that lead to the occurrence of drought, and among these reasons are the following:

• lacksudden rain rate: Sudden heavy rain falls – usually – at a specific time; Which contributes to increasing the speed of the flow of this water into the valleys.
• Nature of the soil:The nature of the soil has a clear role in increasing the amount of evaporated water. Dark-colored soil retains more water than light-colored soil.
• Low rainfall in general:This negatively affects agriculture, which depends on rainwater.
• Intensifying cold in the northern hemisphere:This cold is the reason for the emergence of drought in the coastal regions.

Drought results

• Water quality deteriorates due to a decrease in its level, which leads to a rise in the concentration of toxic and polluting substances. Consequently, the percentage of pollution in other water sources increases.
• The decline in the growth rate of agricultural crops; Which leads to reduced production and obstructs the development of livestock projects that depend on plants.
• The spread of famines as a result of the lack of irrigation water.
• Increase in diseases associated with malnutrition.
• Increase in migration due to food and water shortages.

Tips to reduce dehydration

• Desalination of sea and ocean water; For use in irrigation, drinking, and other consumer purposes.
• Cloud seeding. This advice is one of the artificial methods used to help rain fall.
• Rationalizing water consumption, whether in showering or washing cars, and other matters in which water is consumed in large quantities.
• Building artificial canals; To redirect water towards agricultural crops in areas experiencing drought.
• Supporting crops that do not need a lot of water.

The phenomenon of drought – in short – is not an environmental problem that varies from one place to another, but rather aglobal challenge that has a serious impact on multiple social and economic aspects. To protect the planet Earth and ensure the sustainability of water resources, we must all unite and take immediate action, and this is through cooperation between individuals, governments and civil society organizations to developsustainable strategies in water management, and direct everyone’s efforts towards reducing the effects of drought.

In conclusion, we are pleased to conclude this important topic – the topic of the phenomenon of drought – by referring to the efforts of the Earth Guards magazine, including its well-known series(What…?), which seeks to shed light on environmental and development terms using simplified educational methods, as an Egyptian step towards achieving…Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).