Talking to Nature Asia, for their Middle East edition, Rachael McDonnell explained drought impacts are unique to each country and are a result of the climate and natural environment, as well as the social, economic and political context. “Capturing these localized conditions is critical, but sometimes difficult.”

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the driest region in the world and home to 12 of the world’s most water-scarce countries, with water availability per person roughly six times less than the global average. Rising temperatures and evaporation rates, combined with reductions in precipitation across the region, are exacerbating challenges to water and food security. In recent years, droughts have become more frequent, extensive and severe, degrading land and jeopardising health, livelihoods and economies. Droughts and their impacts are expected to intensify as climate change worsens.

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