Drought

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme drought across the world, particularly in regions that are already among the driest on Earth. Increasing drought frequency raises concerns for agricultural productivity and development, water supply, wildfire frequency and intensity, and energy production, as well as human wellbeing. 

The following app displays several hotspots of drought impacts across the world, showcasing their dramatic impacts on Earth's water supply in particular.

Learn more

Widespread drought is a result of rapidly changing precipitation and temperature trends worldwide, and impacts global water supply and ecosystem health.

Explore data source

Landsat imagery is accessible in Google Earth Engine, an open source cloud-computing platform. 

View additional drought hotspots

Explore a Google Earth Voyager story showcasing the impact of drought on the Amazonian Xingu tribe.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

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The UN SDGs help to guide analysis and policy to achieve a safer, more equal world by 2030. Long-term drought relates directly to SDG 6 (Clean Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). For more information on the SDGs, visit https://sdgs.un.org/goals.