Overview

• Areas affected by drought grew from about 10% to over 20% of global landmass between 1900 and 2020, according to the OECD’s SPEI-based analysis.
• Nearly 40% of the world’s land experienced more frequent and severe droughts from 2000 to 2020 compared with 1950–2000.
• Climate-driven temperature increases are boosting evaporation, disrupting rainfall patterns and depleting snowpack and glacier reserves.
• Germany recorded one of its driest springs on record in 2025, with May rainfall nearly 30% below the 1991–2020 average and shifted seasonal precipitation patterns.
• OECD and German Environment Agency head Dirk Messner warn that urgent water conservation strategies are needed to protect ecosystems, agriculture, shipping routes and energy production.