By 2050, two billion city dwellers could face drought risks—double today’s figure. Urban areas are especially vulnerable, with high soil sealing rates, limited groundwater storage, and the amplifying effects of rising temperatures, like urban heat islands. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges, increasing drought frequency, severity, and duration. In Europe alone, drought events have surged by 29% since 2000. Without bold climate adaptation, the socio-economic toll on urban areas could be devastating.

Join us for our next OECD Green Talks LIVE on 17 March 2025, 15:00-16:15 CET to discuss adaptation to urban water scarcity during the launch of a new OECD report “Adapting the Paris Metropolitan Area to a Water-Scarce Future”. Following an introduction, OECD Policy Analyst Sophie Lavaud will present key findings from the report. They will be joined by high-level discussants who will share their expertise on drought risk management.