Study: Combination of Extreme Heat and Drought Crises Will Cause Environmental, Economic Challenges for 90 Percent of World Population

Oxford’s School of Geography has released a study concluding that over 90 percent of the world’s population will suffer increased risks from the combination of extreme heat and drought events, causing severe knock-on effects to the natural world and the economy. The study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, utilized a unique carbon budget dataset generated through machine-learning  to “quantify the response of ecosystem productivity to heat and water stressors at the global scale.” Of special significance are these trends’ impacts on the ability of carbon sinks, or regions that take in more carbon than release it, to absorb carbon emissions and emit oxygen into the atmosphere. Compounding heat and drought events are projected to primarily impact poorer communities and rural regions, adding economic challenges to the environmental challenges that policymakers already face. Additionally, WaterISAC previously reported on research done at the University of Zurich that noted these weather extremes are mutually reinforcing and demonstrate the interconnectedness of sectors. Read more at Nature Sustainability.