Drought Evaluation Under Climate Change Condition
A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydrology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2026 | Viewed by 1622
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Focus: This Special Issue will concentrate on the comprehensive evaluation of drought under the backdrop of climate change. It will explore the multifaceted impacts of changing climatic patterns on drought occurrence, severity, and duration. Researchers will explore how alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other climatic variables interact to exacerbate or mitigate drought conditions.
Scope: The scope encompasses a wide range of geographical regions, from arid and semi-arid zones traditionally more prone to drought to regions newly experiencing water stress due to climate change. It will cover various drought-affected sectors, including agriculture, water resources management, ecosystems, and human health. Methodologically, it will incorporate field studies, remote sensing analyses, modeling techniques, and socio-economic surveys to provide a holistic view.
Purpose: The primary purpose is to synthesize the latest knowledge and advancements in drought evaluation. By combining diverse research, we aim to equip policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with the tools and understanding to develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. We also seek to raise awareness about addressing drought in a changing climate.
Relation to the Existing Literature: The existing literature on drought and climate change is extensive but fragmented. This Special Issue will usefully supplement it in several ways. Firstly, it will provide updated and region-specific case studies that reflect the most recent climate trends. Many previous works have relied on historical data, while this issue will focus on the current and projected changes. Secondly, integrating multiple disciplinary approaches will bridge the gaps between hydrological, ecological, agricultural, and social science research. For example, it will explore the physical aspects of drought, socio-economic consequences, and feedback loops between them. Lastly, it will offer a platform for comparing and contrasting different methodological frameworks used in drought evaluation, facilitating the identification of best practices.
Contribution to Sustainability: Drought is a major threat to sustainability. In the context of water resources, sustainable management requires accurate drought evaluation. By understanding the patterns and impacts of drought, we can develop more efficient water allocation strategies, such as implementing water-saving technologies in agriculture and optimizing reservoir operations. It helps preserve biodiversity by identifying vulnerable habitats and implementing conservation measures during drought periods. From a socio-economic perspective, it enables the formulation of policies that support affected communities, like providing financial aid and alternative livelihood options. Overall, this Special Issue provides the knowledge base for making informed decisions that enhance long-term sustainability.
Dr. Yanfeng Wu
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- climate change
- drought evaluation
- water resources management
- agricultural impacts
- ecosystem resilience
- socio-economic consequences
- remote sensing for drought
- modeling drought
- adaptation strategies
- sustainable development
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