South Asia Fails to Reach Drought Deal at Saudi-Hosted Talks

A recent meeting at the COP16 conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at addressing the growing issue of droughts in South Asia, has ended without a binding agreement. The proposed framework by developed countries failed to gain consensus among the participating nations, leaving the region vulnerable to the devastating effects of droughts. According to estimates, droughts are expected to cost a staggering $300 billion per year, with a projected 75% of the world's population set to be affected by 2050. The region's heavy reliance on agriculture for its economies, rural livelihoods, and food security makes it particularly susceptible to the impacts of droughts. The lack of a comprehensive drought response strategy has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the region's food systems and the well-being of its population. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the failure to reach a drought deal at COP16 is a significant setback for South Asia, highlighting the need for urgent and coordinated action to mitigate the effects of droughts and ensure the region's resilience in the face of climate-related disasters.