Global drought crisis takes center stage at COP17

The 17th United Nations Conference to Combat Desertification (COP17) has convened in Mongolia to address the escalating global drought crisis. Data from the UNCCD indicates that the frequency and duration of droughts have increased by nearly 30% since 2000, with projections suggesting that three out of four people globally could be affected by 2050.

In Brazil, all five regions reported water stress in July 2026. Severe drought has impacted at least 157 municipalities, causing soil moisture reduction and vegetation stress that threatens agriculture. The Amazon region is particularly vulnerable, with record-low river levels isolating communities and disrupting the supply of food and medicine. The phenomenon is expected to be exacerbated by an intense El Niño, which may bring higher temperatures and irregular rainfall to the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions.

Agricultural producers in states like Mato Grosso and Goiás are preparing for the 2026/27 season under high risk. Experts warn that the primary challenge is not just total rainfall volume, but irregular distribution, where early rains may trigger planting only to be followed by prolonged dry spells. This volatility threatens crop emergence and the subsequent planting windows for secondary crops like corn.

In Europe, the crisis is also evident, with 30% of the population facing annual water scarcity. The European Union is advocating for a shift from emergency management to proactive risk prevention and resilience building at COP17.