Extreme Drought Expands Rapidly, Affecting Global Land
Extreme Drought Expands Rapidly, Affecting Global Land
US · Published Nov 9, 2026
• Extreme drought conditions affected 51.8% of global land for at least one month in 2025, marking the second-highest level on record.
• The affected area expanded over 700% faster between 2016–2025 compared to the previous decade (2006–2015), significantly increasing risks such as food insecurity.

Impact & Risks

The rapid expansion of extreme drought conditions poses severe risks to food security globally, particularly in vulnerable regions. Communities reliant on agriculture are at heightened risk due to reduced crop yields and water scarcity. Additionally, extreme heat and poor air quality exacerbate health challenges, overwhelming health systems and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as outdoor workers, children, and the elderly.

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