Drought: A climate challenge we cannot ignore 🌍

Drought: A Climate Challenge We Cannot Ignore 🌍

In the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events, the question “Is drought a natural phenomenon or a real climate problem?” becomes more and more relevant. Although droughts have always occurred, their frequency, intensity, and reach have significantly increased in recent decades — and this is no coincidence.

📊 The Data Speaks Clearly

Statistics for Poland show a worrying trend:

🟢 1951–1981 – only 6 droughts: an average of 1 every 5 years

🟡 1982–2011 – already 18 droughts: an average of 1 every 2 years

🔴 Since 2013 – drought every year

This increase in frequency points to a connection with long-term climate change, rather than random weather anomalies. Moreover, the impact of drought extends far beyond agriculture. It affects ecosystems, water management, forestry, and even public health.

What Exactly Is a Drought?

Drought is not just a lack of rain. There are four types of drought, which often occur in sequence, worsening the effects of the previous phases:

1️⃣ Atmospheric (Meteorological) Drought
Begins when there is a prolonged absence of precipitation. This leads to lower air and soil humidity.

2️⃣ Agricultural (Soil) Drought
Occurs when the soil doesn’t have enough water to meet the needs of plants. A serious threat to crops and the agricultural economy.

3️⃣ Hydrological Drought
Characterized by low water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Usually follows extended atmospheric and agricultural drought.

4️⃣ Hydrogeological Drought
A long-term drop in groundwater levels — a vital water source, especially during dry periods.

🛰️ Modern Tools for Monitoring Drought

Although droughts may seem unpredictable, today's technology allows for early detection and analysis. In addition to local weather measurements, satellite data is playing an increasingly important role, providing a detailed and comprehensive picture of the situation at national and even continental scales.

🌱 Key Satellite Indicators:

NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index)
Measures photosynthetic activity in plants, allowing detection of water stress before visible signs like wilting appear.

NDMI (Normalized Difference Moisture Index) and MSI (Moisture Stress Index)
Assess water content in vegetation, helping to monitor changes over time.

Radar Systems (Active SAR Monitoring)
Can assess soil moisture regardless of cloud cover — a big advantage in difficult weather conditions.

Passive Radiometric Systems (e.g., SMAP – Soil Moisture Active Passive)
Measure natural microwave emissions from the soil, which vary depending on its moisture levels.

🛡️ How Can We Fight Drought?

By integrating meteorological and satellite data, we can build predictive systems that enable a rapid response to early signs of drought. This knowledge is invaluable for:

farmers planning sowing and irrigation seasons,

local governments managing water resources,

ecologists monitoring ecosystem health,

companies investing in sustainable development.

🌍 Conclusion: Drought Is a Climate Problem We Must Confront

A changing climate means droughts are no longer exceptions — they are becoming the new normal. This phenomenon affects not just crops, but also quality of life, water management, forestry, and public health.

Instead of ignoring the problem, we should invest in monitoring, education, and technological innovation that help mitigate the effects of drought.