Abhinav Kumar, M. Kothari, P.K. Singh, Manjeet Singh, Ravi Kumar Sharma and Sanwal Singh Meena
Abstract
Droughts, characterized by prolonged periods of below-average precipitation, pose a significant threat to environmental stability, human well-being, and economic prosperity. This review paper delves into the complexities of droughts, exploring their multifaceted nature, classification schemes, and methods of assessment. We analyze the cascading effects of droughts on various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, ecosystems, and human populations. The paper then presents existing mitigation and adaptation strategies employed to combat droughts and their adverse effects. Finally, we discuss the potential influence of climate change on future drought patterns and explore promising research directions for improved drought prediction, preparedness, and response.