Why the world still lacks a common system for preventing drought disasters
Countries at the UN desertification talks again left the proposed global drought framework unresolved, including options for a binding protocol, a voluntary instrument or another mechanism.[4] The framework was intended to shift drought policy from emergency response toward national planning, coordinated implementation and resilience finance.[4] Governments did agree to make drought a permanent standalone agenda item beginning at COP18 in Sharm El-Sheikh.[4]
Up to 40 per cent of the world’s land is degraded, and drought is emerging in places not considered highly vulnerable a decade ago.[5] Yet the UNCCD estimates an annual gap of $278 billion between needed investment in land restoration and drought resilience and the amount currently invested.[4]
Key insights
- A small group of countries led by the United States opposed both binding and voluntary instruments, citing concerns that included sovereignty, budgets and bureaucracy.[4]
- A binding protocol could require governments to incorporate drought plans into national law and include financing obligations for developed countries.[4]
- One in four people was affected by drought during 2022-23 as droughts increased in frequency, duration and severity.[4]
- Giving drought its own recurring agenda item guarantees dedicated negotiating time instead of grouping it with migration, desertification, and sand and dust storms.[4]