Droughts are one of the most devastating natural disasters, with far-reaching
consequences that can disrupt economies, strain resources, and threaten the very
fabric of our societies. As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, the
frequency and severity of droughts are expected to increase, posing an urgent
challenge that demands our collective attention
Moreover, drought is the most dangerous for a farmer. As they do not have an ample
supply of water, their crops dry out. This becomes a reason for worry as it is their sole
income. Furthermore, drought also leads to various other problems for the
environment and mankind.
Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of
water for various human and environmental needs. It is a complex phenomenon that
can have severe impacts on agriculture, water resources, ecosystems, and human
livelihoods.
Droughts can be classified into different types based on the affected sector or the
severity of the water deficit. Meteorological drought refers to a precipitation deficit,
while agricultural drought is characterized by soil moisture depletion. Hydrological
drought is associated with low surface water and groundwater levels, and
socioeconomic drought occurs when water shortages affect economic activities and
human well-being (Wilhite & Glantz, 1985).
Droughts can have far-reaching consequences, including crop failures, livestock
losses, water scarcity, and increased risk of wildfires. They can also lead to
environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and social unrest. Vulnerable
populations, such as smallholder farmers and pastoralists, are often the most affected
Drought is a natural disaster that occurs when there is a prolonged period of below-
average precipitation in a specific region, leading to water scarcity and a lack of
resources for agriculture and human consumption. Climate change is exacerbating the
frequency and intensity of droughts around the world, making it a significant global
concern. In this essay, we will explore the relationship between drought and climate
change, examine the impact of these phenomena on society, and discuss the role of
agencies in mitigating the effects of these disasters.
Agriculture: Crop failures, reduced livestock productivity, and food insecurity. Water
Resources, Depletion of surface water and groundwater, water shortages for domestic
and industrial use. Ecosystems, Degradation of habitats, loss of biodiversity, increased
risk of wildfires.
Energy Reduced hydropower generation and disruptions to other energy sources.
Health: Increased risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues.
Socioeconomic Economic losses, unemployment, migration, and social unrest.Factors
that contribute to the severity and duration of droughts include climate change, land-
use changes, unsustainable water management practices, and underlying
vulnerabilities within affected communities.
Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water scarcity
and impacts on the environment, economy, and society (Wilhite, 2000). It is a natural
disaster that can have devastating effects on agriculture, water resources, and
ecosystems.
Climate change is a significant factor contributing to the increasing frequency,
intensity, and duration of droughts in many parts of the world. As the Earth's
temperature rises due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,
changes in precipitation patterns and the hydrological cycle are observed.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported that climate
change is likely to intensify droughts in several regions, including the Mediterranean,
central Europe, central North America, and southern Africa (IPCC, 2021). The
increased frequency and severity of droughts can have cascading effects on food
production, water resources, and the overall resilience of ecosystems and human
societies.
Understanding the complex relationship between climate change and drought is
crucial for developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. Measures such as
improving water management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and
investing in drought-resistant infrastructure can help communities become more
resilient to the impacts of drought (UNESCO, 2016).
Global warming has increased the frequency and intensity of droughts in many
regions, particularly in the Mediterranean, western North America, and southwestern
South America. Extreme drought events that were rare in the past are now more
common, and their frequency and severity are projected to continue increasing. The
impacts of climate change-induced droughts are exacerbated by other climate-related
hazards, such as heatwaves, wildfires, and dust storms., Vulnerable populations,
including smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and Indigenous communities, are
disproportionately affected by drought and climate change.
Addressing the root causes of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, is crucial for mitigating the long-term impacts of drought. Adaptation
strategies, such as improving water management, implementing drought-resistant
agricultural practices, and strengthening early warning systems, can also help
communities become more resilient.
Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in
average global temperatures, primarily caused by human activities such as burning
fossil fuels and deforestation (IPCC, 2020). Climate change exacerbates droughts,
heatwaves, and other extreme weather events, leading to more frequent and severe
natural disasters.
Climate change plays a significant role in the occurrence and severity of droughts.
The rise in global temperatures has led to changes in precipitation patterns, as well as
increased evaporation rates, which contribute to water scarcity in many regions. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted the link between
climate change and extreme weather events such as droughts, stating that "changes in
some climate extremes have been observed, such as an increase in the frequency and
intensity of heatwaves and heavy precipitation events."
According to a study by Dai (2011), the frequency and intensity of droughts have
increased in recent decades, with many regions experiencing longer and more severe
drought conditions than in the past. This study emphasizes the need for better
understanding of the relationship between climate change and drought, as well as the
development of effective mitigation strategies to address these challenges.
The impact of drought and climate change on society is significant, affecting
agriculture, water resources, food security, and human health. In regions where
agriculture is a primary source of livelihood, drought can lead to crop failures,
reduced yields, and food shortages. This can have devastating effects on local
communities, leading to malnutrition, poverty, and social unrest.
Additionally, drought and climate change can negatively affect water resources, as
decreased precipitation and increased evaporation rates can lead to dwindling water
supplies. This can have severe consequences for both human populations and
ecosystems, as water scarcity can disrupt ecological balance and lead to conflicts over
limited resources.
Furthermore, the health of individuals and communities is also at risk during drought
conditions, as water scarcity can lead to poor sanitation, malnutrition, and the spread
of waterborne diseases. These challenges require a coordinated and comprehensive
response from governments, organizations, and agencies to mitigate the effects of
drought and climate change on society.
FISIP stands for the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, which is a prominent
academic institution that conducts research and education in the field of social and
political sciences. It is often associated with the study of drought, climate change, and
disaster management.
FISIP's research activities in these areas Analyzing the socioeconomic and political
implications of drought and climate change, Investigating the role of public policies
and governance in drought and disaster management, Studying the impacts of drought
and climate change on vulnerable communities and developing strategies for social
resilience, Exploring the intersection of environmental issues, such as water scarcity,
and their effects on human security and conflict and qqqProviding policy
recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders on drought and climate change
adaptation and mitigation measures.
By engaging in interdisciplinary research and education, FISIP contributes to the
understanding of the complex and multifaceted challenges posed by drought and
climate change, and helps inform evidence-based decision-making and policy
development (FISIP, 2023).
FISIP, as a leading academic institution in the field of social and political sciences,
plays a vital role in addressing the societal and policy implications of drought and
climate change. Some of the key areas of FISIP's research and engagement include
the following, Analyzing the socioeconomic impacts of drought on vulnerable
communities, including the effects on livelihoods, food security, and migration
Investigating the role of governance, public policies, and institutional frameworks in
drought and disaster management, Studying the intersection of environmental issues,
such as water scarcity, and their effects on human security and conflict.
Developing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate social, political, and
environmental perspectives to address complex challenges. Providing policy advice
and recommendations to policymakers, international organizations, and other
stakeholders on drought and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. 1By
engaging in rigorous research, educating future leaders, and fostering
multidisciplinary collaborations, FISIP contributes to the wider understanding and
evidence-based decision-making around drought and climate change issues.
FISIP stands for Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, which is a department in
some universities that focuses on studying social and political issues, including
disaster management and climate change (Universitas Indonesia, 2022). FISIP plays a
crucial role in understanding the social and political implications of drought and
climate change.
Governments and international organizations have established various agencies and
programs to help mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, including droughts. These
agencies play a crucial role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Some of the key agencies involved in drought and disaster mitigation.
The mitigate national disasters like drought and climate change, various agencies are
involved, including: National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United Nations Office for
Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC). These agencies work together to provide early warnings,
emergency response, and long-term recovery efforts to affected communities
(NDMA, 2022).
In response to the growing threat of drought and climate change, governments and
organizations around the world have established agencies and initiatives to address
these challenges. One such agency is the Federal Disaster Mitigation Agency (FISIP)
in Indonesia, which is responsible for coordinating disaster response and mitigation
efforts in the country.
FISIP works with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and
local communities, to develop and implement disaster risk reduction strategies, early
warning systems, and response plans to address the impact of drought and other
natural disasters. Through its work, FISIP aims to build resilience, strengthen
infrastructure, and improve disaster preparedness to minimize the impact of drought
and climate change on society.
In conclusion, Drought and climate change are significant challenges facing society
today, with far-reaching consequences for agriculture, water resources, food security,
and human health. Understanding the relationship between these phenomena, as well
as the impact on society, is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and
response plans.
REFERENCES
Climate Change (2020) Mitigation Contribution of Working Group III to the Fifth
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
NDMA (2022). National Disaster Management Agency. Retrieved from (link
unavailable)
Universitas Indonesia (2022). Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. Retrieved from
(link unavailable)
Wilhite, D. A. (2000). Drought as a natural hazard: Concepts and definitions. In
Drought: A Global Assessment (Vol. 1, pp. 3-18). Routledge.
