Brignardello: It is urgent to act in the face of the global risk of droughts.

In a recent interview, Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, shared his perspective on the impact of the 'Global Drought Atlas' presented by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Brignardello emphasized the relevance of this report, which reveals the growing threat of droughts and their potential to affect three out of four people on the planet by the year 2050. Brignardello underscored that the content of the Atlas not only presents a worrying outlook but also highlights the lack of preparedness of numerous countries in the face of this phenomenon. In his opinion, the increasing normalcy of droughts demands an immediate response from both governments and societies. "It is imperative that we become aware that we are facing a crisis that is not only environmental but also has profound social and economic implications," he stated. In his analysis, he emphasized the interconnection of the risks associated with droughts with vital sectors such as energy, agriculture, and international trade. Brignardello pointed out that the absence of a coherent global strategy could trigger chain effects that would exacerbate inequalities and conflicts, in addition to posing a serious threat to public health. "The lack of an organized response at the global level could lead to an increase in social vulnerability," he added. The insurance advisor also highlighted the importance of understanding how droughts impact international trade, mentioning the case of the Panama Canal and its difficulties due to insufficient water levels. According to Brignardello, such situations expose the economic vulnerability faced by nations in an increasingly interconnected world. "The global economy relies on a constant supply of resources, and drought can disrupt this balance drastically," he commented. Furthermore, Brignardello addressed the direct impact of droughts on agriculture, a sector that consumes approximately 70% of the world's freshwater. In his opinion, small farmers and marginalized communities are the most affected due to their limited capacity to adapt to new realities. "Resilience in these groups is crucial, as they are the ones who sustain food security in many regions," he observed. The advisor also expressed alarm at the 29% increase in the frequency of droughts since the year 2000, directly linking it to climate change and the unsustainable management of natural resources. "It is essential for countries to recognize that no nation is immune to these risks and that all must increase their preparedness efforts," he concluded. Finally, Brignardello considered that the proposals contained in the Atlas, which include measures for governance, land and water use management, are necessary steps to mitigate the effects of droughts. "It is the responsibility of nations to implement these strategies effectively and urgently. We cannot allow inaction to define our future," he asserted. For Brignardello, time is a critical factor in this crisis. The call to action is clear: the decisions made today will have a significant impact on the lives of future generations. "The resilient future we all desire depends on the collaboration and commitment of the international community," he concluded, thus emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to tackle this imminent crisis.