Exploring land cover change after prolonged droughts at the global level

Abstract

Abstract Anthropogenic climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of droughts, which accelerate land degradation, harm ecosystems, and threaten water security and livelihoods. However, the global impact of prolonged droughts on land cover changes remains poorly studied. This research analyses precipitation data to identify drought conditions and compares them with land cover datasets. The analysis explored three analytical dimensions, over the period 1992–2021: country level, income level, and climatic level. Results show a strong connection between droughts and land cover changes, with low-income countries experiencing the most significant changes. In drought-prone areas, trees, cropland, and sparse vegetation are the most impacted, with correlations stronger than in unaffected regions. This study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between global drought events and land cover changes, varying across regions and economic contexts, and highlights the mitigating role of proactive strategies such as sustainable land management and adaptation measures.