Cities Face Severe Droughts by 2100 Due to Climate Change
Climate change is set to exacerbate global drought conditions, with cities particularly vulnerable. By 2100, under moderate climate protection measures, 51% of today's drought-prone regions will be at high risk. Up to 753 million people, including 467 million in urban areas, could face 'Day-Zero-Droughts'.
Some regions may experience their first 'Day-Zero-Drought' as early as this decade, including areas in the Mediterranean, southern Africa, and parts of North America. Even regions with large reservoirs could face drying up during these extreme events, threatening livelihoods. Cities like Cape Town, Tehran, Kabul, Mexico City, and Los Angeles are among those at high risk. Climate change will increase the frequency and duration of heatwaves, dry periods, and droughts, leading to more 'Day-Zero-Droughts'. Under high emission scenarios, 74% of today's drought-prone regions will be at high risk by 2100. Proactive water management strategies are crucial to prepare for these events.
Urgent action is needed to mitigate climate change and implement water-saving plans in cities. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, many regions will face severe and prolonged droughts, with devastating consequences for communities worldwide.
