Background
Drought is one of the most frequent and complex natural hazards affecting the environment, economies and populations worldwide. Over the last five years (2018-2022), areas affected by drought have increased by an average of 74% compared to the period 1981-2017. However, global drought trends are accompanied by significant uncertainties, and we have a poor understanding of the extent to which a key factor such as climate change is influencing recent changes in the magnitude, frequency, duration and extent of droughts. In the context of climate change, it is essential to understand how a system responds to disturbances, i.e. its resilience. Identifying, assessing and quantifying the resilience of a socio-ecological system is key to understanding the determinants of this property, anticipating the effects of droughts and promoting adaptation strategies.
Objective of the webinar: scientific knowledge useful for action
To introduce the debate, the two panellists will present
i) the current projections for areas affected by drought around the world, particularly in dry areas, and
ii) a discussion on how to assess resilience (particularly to drought).
A long discussion will be devoted, in particular, to the importance of the scientific knowledge presented for actors in the field.
The insights provided by this webinar will feed into the Désertif’Actions 2026 summit, which focuses on the resilience of territories to drought.
Panellists
Christophe Lavaysse: Hydro-meteorologist and climatologist, Director of Research at IRD, Scientific Advisor on “Climate – Science – Societies” to the President and CEO of IRD. His research focuses on meteorological and climatic hazards, their understanding and their impacts. The aim is to develop and evaluate forecasts and projections of the societal and environmental impacts of severe weather hazards and to develop operational decision-making tools.
Soni Kéfi: Ecologist, Director of Research at the CNRS, Coordinator of the Scientific Department “Environmental Change, Spatio-Temporal Dynamics, Eco-Evolution” (CHANGE) at ISEM Her research focuses on understanding the ecological mechanisms that enable natural ecosystems to cope with disturbances
Registration is free but mandatory https://framaforms.org/webinaire-csfd-29-janvier-2026-a-10h15-1768215541
English/French and French/English translation available
Webinar organised as part of DésertifActions 2026
