Urgent Action Needed to Combat Escalating Droughts

Climate change is making droughts more frequent and severe. Cities must act now to prevent water crises.

, and Administrator

2025 October 5 . 5:12 AM

1 min read

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Urgent Action Needed to Combat Escalating Droughts

Urgent action is needed to combat the escalating threat of severe droughts, as cities worldwide face a high risk of running out of water. Climate change is exacerbating drought frequency and severity, with 'Day-Zero-Droughts'—events where water supply runs critically low—looming on the horizon.

By 2100, nearly three-quarters of today's drought-prone regions will struggle to provide water to their residents due to climate change. Under the high emissions scenario (SSP3-7.0), 74% of these regions will be at high risk of severe and prolonged drought. Even under moderate climate protection measures (SSP2-4.5), 51% will face the same fate.

Heatwaves, low-rainfall dry periods, and droughts will become more frequent and last longer, increasing the risk of 'Day-Zero-Droughts'. Some regions could experience their first such crisis between 2020 and 2030, including parts of the Mediterranean region, southern Africa, and North America. By 2100, up to 753 million people worldwide, including 467 million in urban areas, will be at risk.

Proactive water management strategies are crucial to prepare for future 'Day-Zero-Droughts'. Cities should adopt water-saving plans immediately, learning from successful measures implemented in Cape Town. Even regions with large reservoirs may experience extreme water shortages during the first 'Day-Zero-Drought' events, highlighting the need for urgent action.