Aridification now affects over 2.3 billion people and 40% of Earth’s land, reshaping ecosystems and intensifying risks to food, water, health, and migration. This session explores the scientific foundations and societal implications of increasing aridity, highlighting how Earth and environmental sciences can guide equitable and effective adaptation. We invite abstracts presenting recent advances in aridity monitoring, climate modeling, and socio-environmental forecasting, as well as integrative approaches that combine traditional knowledge, early warning systems, and policy design. Contributions should demonstrate applications in land degradation assessment, drought governance, or sustainable water use, particularly in vulnerable dryland regions. Special emphasis will be placed on research that supports cross-scale adaptation strategies, international cooperation, and science-informed governance frameworks—aligned with recent UNCCD policy recommendations and global climate goals. This session connects Earth system science with real-world decisions to address one of the most underrecognized yet consequential drivers of global environmental change.

• NH - Natural Hazards
• SY - Science and Society