Key facts
- 75% of the world's population lives in countries affected by 'continental drying'.
- Drylands now account for over 40% of global land area.
- Over three-quarters of the world's land has become drier in the last 30 years.
- US winter wheat harvest is projected to be down 21% compared to last year.
- A 'Super El Niño' is projected to intensify drought conditions globally.
The world is experiencing unprecedented freshwater loss, with 75% of the global population living in countries affected by 'continental drying.' Satellite data from NASA reveals that land suffering from water loss has been increasing annually by twice the area of California since 2002. Mega-drying regions are prominent across the Northern Hemisphere, including western North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The Great Salt Lake has lost approximately 73% of its water and 60% of its surface area. A study published in Science Advances found that nearly 6 billion people live in 101 countries facing a net decline in water supply, identified as a critical threat to humanity. Drylands now constitute over 40% of Earth's landmass (excluding Antarctica), and more than three-quarters of this land has become drier over the past 30 years. In the U.S., over 60% of the continental states are experiencing drought, severely impacting crop production. The winter wheat harvest is projected to decrease by 21% from last year, potentially reaching the lowest levels since 1972. Farmers are facing a combination of drought, temperature fluctuations, high fertilizer and diesel costs, and crop viruses. Scientists are warning that an upcoming 'Super El Niño' could further intensify drought conditions globally, recalling the devastating droughts of 1877-1878 that caused over 50 million deaths.