In 2024, the CIMA Research Foundation was tasked by the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) with the development of a World Drought Atlas, in collaboration with the Institute for Environmental Studies – Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , the Institute for Environment and Human security – United Nations University and the Joint Research Centre – European Commission.
How does is the project work, and what is the role of CIMA Research Foundation?
CIMA Research Foundation is responsible for creating an atlas describing drought risk in the current and future global climate.
Drawing on recent literature studies, the atlas aims to provide an overview of potential impacts on various socio-economic systems and sectors, highlighting the drivers contributing to drought risk. Future climate and population trends are analyzed to offer a comprehensive perspective for multi-sectoral adaptation measures. Additionally, the document aims to provide drought risk management options and adaptation pathways for various global systems.
The World Drought Atlas, expected to be completed by October 2024, will be presented as a flagship publication at the COP16 on desertification, scheduled for December 2024.
What are the expected results?
To produce a Drought Risk Atlas articulated into the following sections:
- Description of sectoral and cross-sectoral impacts
- Exemplary case studies from different geographic areas
- Mitigation and adaptation measures
