To counteract the effects of drought and desertification, there are many possibilities. Ecological sustainability plays a decisive role, i.e. the permanent strengthening of ecosystems. In concrete terms, this means: protecting nature and using resources sparingly. While this does not reduce the likelihood of drought occurring, it can reduce its severity.
Droughts: Water as a precious resource
Preserving biological and indigenous diversity in countries is important for preventing drought disasters. Because animals and plants of the dry land are accustomed to the heat periods and can survive longer in case of long droughts. Responsible use of water should also be a top priority.
Picture gallery: Durre& Desertification worldwide
To store as much water as possible, sand dams, water reservoirs and cisterns can be built. So people can access this precious resource even in the dry season.
Desert areas offer ideal conditions for large-scale reforestation: long vegetation periods, no cold spells and sufficient light. The only limiting factors are the lack of water resources in these regions and the nutrient-poor soils.
Biodiversity and nutrient-rich soils
Native, drought-resistant tree and plant species are planted, which ensure a high level of biodiversity in the long term and enrich the soil with nutrients.
Desert forest slows desertification, raises the water table, and keeps soil moist through foliage. In addition, trees store carbon dioxide and contribute to global climate protection. Evaporation is stimulated and rain falls more frequently. A nice side effect is the harvest from planting drought-resistant fruit trees or palms. In addition, the roots of trees stabilize the soil and reduce soil erosion.
This is how our alliance does disaster risk reduction
Working together to mitigate the effects of climate change
Prolonged droughts, parched soils, violent weather extremes like hurricanes: many of these natural phenomena are due to rising global temperatures.
Many people around the world are already feeling the effects of climate change. Relief organizations in our alliance provide support: Farmers learn to cope with the new weather conditions in training courses, aid workers grow protective plants in flooded areas and improve the water supply in remote villages.
Create places of refuge in the event of disaster
Houses that cannot withstand the force of storms or earthquakes. Deteriorating roads and bridges. Lack of sanitation and running water: the consequences of natural disasters are often particularly severe in poorer countries.
Our alliance organizations help people around the world to prepare for natural disasters. For example, with shelters where people can retreat in case of danger, with flood-proof drinking water reservoirs or the construction of earthquake-proof houses.
Greater safety through combined forces
Which is the safest shortcut? What is the typical weather like? And who is the neediest community member? This is something that the locals of a village or region know best. And this knowledge can save lives in the event of a disaster.
In countries that are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes or droughts, our alliance organizations help people pool this knowledge: they form teams of volunteers, build networks and offer first aid courses.
Teaching vital theory and practice
Knowledge can save lives. For example, knowledge about what to do in the event of an earthquake, how climate change affects the environment, or how houses must be built to withstand storms.
Our Alliance organizations teach children and adults in vulnerable regions this vital knowledge and help them pass it on to family members, neighbors and friends.
Take precautions in good time& Prevent the worst
When people learn late about approaching hurricanes or tsunamis, they are often unable to get to safety in time. Weather data analysis, improved networks and reliable communications can save lives!
Relief organizations of our alliance support the development of emergency plans and early warning systems.
Contribution of the individual: Conserve resources
Everyone has the opportunity to minimize the impact of drought worldwide by rethinking their own consumption patterns. Because drought also affects many European countries – and even in Germany, farmers in some regions are struggling with dryness and drought.
Using resources sparingly in everyday life can make a big difference.
- Reduce meat consumption: Producing one kilo of meat requires an average of 15.500 liters of water and ten kilos of feed. The cultivation of one kilo of fodder in turn leads to a loss of four kilos of fertile soil. save: In summer, no drinking water should be wasted by watering the garden. Lawns, which can be watered with seawater, are laid out near the coast.
- Tourism: Many hotel complexes dispense with daily washing of towels.
Aktion Deutschland Hilft provides emergency aid and disaster prevention worldwide. Thank you for helping with your donation!
Aktion Deutschland Hilft, an alliance of German aid organizations,
is asking for donations for disaster preparedness:
Donation keyword: disaster preparedness
Donation hotline: 0900 55 10 20 30 (landline free of charge, mobile higher)
IBAN DE62 3702 0500 0000 1020 30, BIC: BFSWDE33XXX
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Drought
Droughts are natural disasters. Water shortage and drought threaten the lives of millions of people worldwide. Here you can learn more about droughts.
What types of drought are there?
There are different types of drought, which differ in their origin and consequences. Besides the climate, the behavior of people plays a role.