Middle East facing drastic increase in aridity, threatening water resources.
The study looked at how dry the Middle East and nearby areas have become over the past 71 years. They found that aridity, or lack of water, has increased by up to 106% in most parts of the region from December to September. This is mainly because there is less rain and more water is evaporating. Overall, 62.5% of the region is getting drier each year, with the north of Sudan experiencing the biggest increase in aridity at 96%. This is a big concern for the people living in these areas, as it means less water for drinking, farming, and other important activities.