droughts
Coverage of droughts in the Nexus archive.
- Dangerous summers: How heatwaves and wildfires change life across Europe
Climate change is causing hotter summers in Europe, leading to intensified heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts. These extreme weather events threaten both human lives and economic stability across the continent.
- How is climate change making droughts more common and more severe?
Droughts have historically been part of climate cycles, but climate change is causing them to occur more frequently and become more severe.
- ‘Super’ El Nino: Africa facing mass migration, US$20 billion in damages
An impending 'super' El Nino is projected to cause US$10 billion to US$20 billion in damages in African countries and trigger mass migration from affected areas, according to the African Development Bank’s top climate expert. Forecasters warn the El Nino weather pattern could become one of the strongest ever if Pacific Ocean warming trends continue, leading to severe droughts, flooding, and storms in Africa.
- Malaysia braces for record high temperatures under ‘super’ El Nino
Malaysia is expected to experience record high temperatures next year as the El Nino phenomenon strengthens, according to the country's meteorological department. Climate experts warn of a strong or super-strong El Nino, which could lead to severe weather including droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
- Running dry: How to store more groundwater for dry seasons
More frequent weather extremes are causing water shortages during droughts and flooding during heavy rain. Groundwater storage offers a solution to secure water for dry seasons and reduce the impact of extreme rainfall.
- South Africa: Climate Shocks Are Hitting South Africa's Food Businesses - Study Shows What They Need to Adapt
Climate shocks are impacting South Africa's food businesses, with a study highlighting the need for adaptation. The article notes that agriculture in southern Africa is most visibly affected by environmental shocks like droughts, floods, declining crop productivity, and heat stress on livestock.
- UN warns likelihood of ‘extreme weather events’ as El Nino set to intensify
The UN warns of increased likelihood of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall, as El Niño intensifies. The World Meteorological Organization attributes these forecasts to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon.
- Forecasters warn of record-breaking US summer heat amid intense El Niño
Forecasters warn of record-breaking US summer heat linked to El Niño, with over 100 million people potentially affected by July 4. Risks include droughts and wildfires, as the first six months of 2024 were the hottest on record in parts of eight western states.
- Africa: Insurance Helps Farmers Protect Livelihoods As Climate Shocks Intensify
Insurance is helping African farmers recover from droughts and floods as climate shocks intensify. The World Food Programme (WFP) highlights this approach to prevent crises from deepening amid threats from El Niño.
- Underestimating Texas droughts (June 30, 2026)
The article discusses whether the Corpus Christi water crisis could have been prevented if Texans had been more realistic about climate change. It highlights concerns that Texas may have underestimated the growing size and scope of droughts.
- The Human Community: Shortages Ep3 (1993)
The episode discusses Earth's limited water, space, and food supplies, highlighting challenges like floods, droughts, overcrowded cities, and global hunger. It examines how population growth and human consumption could impact future resource shortages and survival.
- Half of world’s children exposed to at least three climate hazards, Unicef says
Half of the world’s children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, including heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts, according to a Unicef report. The report highlights that almost every child, including those in high-income countries, faces at least one climate hazard, threatening their health, education, and survival.
- Guest Opinion: Rick Cole | Pasadena’s Water Future: The Challenge Isn’t Demand. It’s Supply
The article discusses concerns in Pasadena about whether new housing developments will strain the city's water supply, noting California's recurring droughts and climate projections for a hotter, drier future. It highlights that Pasadena Water and Power has provided service since 1912 and currently serves 160,000 customers.
- El Nino is back – and it could be ‘one for the history books’
El Nino has returned, according to the US weather agency, with scientists predicting it could intensify into historic strength by year-end. The climate phenomenon is linked to droughts, floods, and rising temperatures, driven by warming surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- Uncool: Sweltering globe will smash heat records over next 5 years, UN forecasts
The UN forecasts that global temperatures will likely exceed warming limits multiple times by 2030, leading to extreme weather events like droughts and floods. This projection highlights a significant risk of deadly climate impacts over the next five years.
- The US is seeing stronger storms, so why are droughts getting worse?
The U.S. is experiencing both severe droughts and intense storms due to rising global temperatures disrupting the water cycle. Warmer temperatures increase evaporation and cause precipitation to fall in heavy downpours, leading to flooding and reduced groundwater recharge.