Tuscan parched landscape sun-baked soil in Val D'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Typical Tuscan parched landscape near Pienza in Val D'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Tuscan parched landscape sun-baked soil in Val D'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Lone tree in a Tuscan landscape near San Quirico D'Orcia in Val D'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Tuscan parched landscape sun-baked soil in Val D'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Undulating hills by San Quirico d'Orcia, in the Val D'Orcia area of Tuscany, Italy

Local people tend cattle in the Sahara Desert in Upper Volta, now named Burkina Faso

Typical Tuscan parched landscape near Pienza in Val D'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Muslims pray to the east during a funeral in the desert, Burkina Faso, formerly Upper Volta, Africa

Young child with its mother in Burkina Faso, formerly Upper Volta, Africa.

Spinifex grass grows in arid ground at King's Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia

Drought in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta). A white Land Rover 4-wheel drive vehicle drives past a dried out carcass.

A veiled native woman walking alone along a dusty road in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)

Lone young elephant drinking at a water hole at dusk, Botswana, Africa

Drought scene as a sandstorm engulfs donkeys trying to shelter by a tree, Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)

Drought scene - two men walking past the dried out carcasses of dead cattle in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)

Locals on bicycles ride past carcasses of the bones of dead animals in the drought areas of Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)

A local man wearing a sunhat rides a bicycle on the road to Sebba through the desert drought areas of Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)

Ccarcasses of the bones of dead animals in the drought areas of Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)

A hungry black mongrel dog scavenging among a pile of old bones at Nalu, Rajasthan, India.

The flat expanse of the Grand Barra Depression, Djibouti, Africa

Sand dunes in Sahara Desert, Morocco, North Africa

Drought and dried up riverbed of the Rio Saja, Saja River, at Barcenillas in Valle de Cabuerniga, Cantabria, Spain

Mountain sheep herded by shepherd near Portizia de la Reina on Picos de Europa mountains, in Castilla y Leon, Northern Spain

Typical Tuscan homestead, Il Cipressi, and landscape near Pienza in Val D'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Undulating hills by San Quirico d'Orcia, in the Val D'Orcia area of Tuscany, Italy

Earth of ploughed field, Wyck Rissington, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

El Sod crater lake, South Omo Valley, Ethiopia, Africa

Young Thomsons Gazelle stuck in the mud of a drying river bed, Grumeti,Tanzania

Red Centre viewed from aeroplane showing clouds and red earth over central Australia

Trees mark a dry riverbed or Lugga which may only flow with water for a few days each year, Matthews Range, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Olive trees at Pontignanello in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Undulating hills by San Quirico d'Orcia, in the Val D'Orcia area of Tuscany, Italy

Villagers gather for a funeral in the desert in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta)

Dry river and beehive-like mounds in the Purnululu National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bungle Bungle mountain range, Western Australia, Australia, Pacific

Undulating hills by San Quirico d'Orcia, in the Val D'Orcia area of Tuscany, Italy

Cracked earth and rocks in the Outback of South Australia, Australia, Pacific

The Racetrack Point, Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America, North America

The Racetrack Point, Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America, North America

Earth of ploughed field, Wyck Rissington, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Dried earth and potato crops, Holkham, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Palo Duro State Park, near Amarillo, Texas, United States of America, North America

Stones, bark and leaves in dirt at King's Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia

Cracked dried up soil, Ethiopia, Africa

Dry crops in a village in Africa, Talpia, Zambia, Africa

The Racetrack Point, Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America, North America

The Racetrack Point, Death Valley National Park, California, United States of America, North America

Dry ground near the Pitch Lake, Trinidad, West Indies, Caribbean, Central America

Reduced water level in Moraine Lake following a dry year, and Wenkchemna Mountains, Banff National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada, North America

Primary school, Lome, Togo, West Africa, Africa

Algeria, Sahara, Tassili M'ajjer, 600 Km East Of Djanet Oasis, Tuareg Driver Looking At Camels Bones

Algeria, Sahara, Hoggar, Tamanrasset, River Flooding After Heavy Rains First Time After 8 Years Drought

Gabbra tribe, keny

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital

Zambia distribution of american catholic relief services (crs) food aid at a center in mongu, during a time of drought and famine. (2002-3)

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital

A dried up river bed in the Anti Atlas mountains of Morocco, North Africa, Africa

A dried up river bed in the Anti Atlas mountains of Morocco, North Africa, Africa

A farmer's watering hole, almost dried up, on a farm near Shepperton, Victoria, Australia, Pacific

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital .malnourrish child

Zambia girls hoeing field together. Kaunga mashi, shangombo district. The area had suffered drought and severe food shortages during the previous 2 years

Kenya,dadaab refugees camp, somalian border gtz hospital ,the camps were set up around the town of dadaab beginning in 1991 when civil wars erupted on a grand scale in somalia (16 rival factions were involved). The wars, along with a prolonged drought, forced more than 900,000 somalis to flee to neighboring countries. Approximately 400,000 of them, many of whom were in a serious state of exhaustion and starvation, took refuge in kenya. Since then, a majority have returned to their country. However, some 131,000 somalis remain in kenya, and 110,000 are in dadaab, along with some sudanese, ugandans, and about 3,000 ethiopians women waiting the receive care from gtz ngo at the local hospital

The Mesquite flat sand dunes in Death Valley which is the lowest, hottest, driest place in the USA, with an average annual rainfall of around 2 inches, some years it does not receive any rain at all.

Solar panels amongst Badland scenery in Death Valley which is the lowest, hottest, driest place in the USA, with an average annual rainfall of around 2 inches, some years it does not receive any rain at all.

A decaying tree stump in a dried up meadow in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Most of Califoprnia is in exceptional drought, the highest classification of drought.

Solar panels at the Furnace Creek Visitor Centre in Death Valley. Death Valley is the lowest, hottest, driest place in the USA, with an average annual rainfall of around 2 inches, some years it does not receive any rain at all.

The Mesquite flat sand dunes in Death Valley which is the lowest, hottest, driest place in the USA, with an average annual rainfall of around 2 inches, some years it does not receive any rain at all.

Lake Success near Porterville, Bakersfield is at 7% capacity. Ten years ago the water was so high you couldnt get a boat under the bridge. Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Lake Success near Porterville, Bakersfield is at 7% capacity. Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Lake Isabella near Bakersfield, East of California's Central valley is at less than 13% capacity following the four year long devastating drought. The reservoir has dropped so low, that the water level is below the outflow pipe.

The Kern Valley Wildlife Refuge in California's Central Valley was created as important resting and feeding grounds for wildfowl migrating along the pacific flyway. After four years of unprecedented drought, the water shortages in California are critical. The reserve has received only 40% of its usual warer, with the result that most of the lake beds are dried up and dessicated, leaving the birds few places to go. This is the only area of lake with any water left.

Lake Isabella near Bakersfield, East of California's Central valley is at less than 13% capacity following the four year long devastating drought. The reservoir has dropped so low, that the water level is below the outflow pipe.

The dried up river bed of the Kern River in Bakersfield, California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Lake Isabella near Bakersfield, East of California's Central valley is at less than 13% capacity following the four year long devastating drought. The reservoir has dropped so low, that the water level is below the outflow pipe.

Grubbed out Olive trees that no longer have water to irrigate them near Bakersfield, California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Dead and dying Almond trees in Almond groves in Wasco in the Central Valley of California after the irrigation water ran out following the four year long drought in the Western USA. 80% of the world's almonds are grown in California, and it takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow each nut. Many farms have run out of water, and $2.2 Billion has been wiped off the agricultue sector annually. Currently one third of all children in California go to be hungry, as a direct result of job losses connected to the drought. 428,000 acres of farmland have been taken out of production as a result of the drought, in the Central Valley.

The Kern Valley Wildlife Refuge in California's Central Valley was created as important resting and feeding grounds for wildfowl migrating along the pacific flyway. After four years of unprecedented drought, the water shortages in California are critical. The reserve has received only 40% of its usual warer, with the result that most of the lake beds are dried up and dessicated, leaving the birds nowhere to go.

Lake Isabella near Bakersfield, East of California's Central valley is at less than 13% capacity following the four year long devastating drought. The reservoir has dropped so low, that the water level is below the outflow pipe.

Almond groves being chopped down as there is no longer water available to irrigate them, in Wasco in the Central Valley of California following the four year long drought in the Western USA. 80% of the world's almonds are grown in California, and it takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow each nut. Many farms have run out of water, and $2.2 Billion has been wiped off the agricultue sector annually. Currently one third of all children in California go to be hungry, as a direct result of job losses connected to the drought. 428,000 acres of farmland have been taken out of production as a result of the drought, in the Central Valley.

A water charity in Porterville supplying bottled water to houses who have had no running water for over five months, near Bakersfield, California, USA. Hoses in the East of Porterville, many of which are on private wells, have run completely out of water as the water table has dropped catastrophically. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Dying Olive trees that no longer have water to irrigate them near Bakersfield, California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Almond groves being chopped down as there is no longer water available to irrigate them, in Wasco in the Central Valley of California following the four year long drought in the Western USA. 80% of the world's almonds are grown in California, and it takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow each nut. Many farms have run out of water, and $2.2 Billion has been wiped off the agricultue sector annually. Currently one third of all children in California go to be hungry, as a direct result of job losses connected to the drought. 428,000 acres of farmland have been taken out of production as a result of the drought, in the Central Valley.

Irrigation pipes near Wasco in the Central Valley of California following the four year long drought in the Western USA. Many farms have run out of water, and $2.2 Billion has been wiped off the agricultue sector annually. Currently one third of all children in California go to be hungry, as a direct result of job losses connected to the drought. 428,000 acres of farmland have been taken out of production as a result of the drought, in the Central Valley.

A pumping station sends water uphill over the mountains on the California aquaduct that brings water from snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada mountains to farmland in the Central Valley. Following a four year long catastrophic drought, irrigation water is in short supply, with $2 billion annually wiped off the agricultre sector.

Almond groves in Wasco in the Central Valley of California that are vulnerable following the four year long drought in the Western USA. 80% of the world's almonds are grown in California, and it takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow each nut. Many farms have run out of water, and $2.2 Billion has been wiped off the agricultue sector annually. Currently one third of all children in California go to be hungry, as a direct result of job losses connected to the drought. 428,000 acres of farmland have been taken out of production as a result of the drought, in the Central Valley.

Lake Isabella near Bakersfield, East of California's Central valley is at less than 13% capacity following the four year long devastating drought. The reservoir has dropped so low, that the water level is below the outflow pipe. This shot shows the boat launching jetty, that has been taken as far down the ramp as possible, and is still nowhere near the water level.

Almond groves being chopped down as there is no longer water available to irrigate them, in Wasco in the Central Valley of California following the four year long drought in the Western USA. 80% of the world's almonds are grown in California, and it takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow each nut. Many farms have run out of water, and $2.2 Billion has been wiped off the agricultue sector annually. Currently one third of all children in California go to be hungry, as a direct result of job losses connected to the drought. 428,000 acres of farmland have been taken out of production as a result of the drought, in the Central Valley.

A water charity in Porterville supplying bottled water to houses who have had no running water for over five months, near Bakersfield, California, USA. Hoses in the East of Porterville, many of which are on private wells, have run completely out of water as the water table has dropped catastrophically. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Abandoned dead and dying Orange trees that no longer have water to irrigate them near Bakersfield, California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Dead and dying grape vines in Bakersfield, California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Almond trees being irrigated in California's Central Valley, which is in the grip of a four year long drought. The catastrophic drought means that no crops will grow without increasingly scarce irrigation water. Many areas of farmland have been abandoned due to the drought. 80% of the world's almonds grow in California, each Almond takes 1 gallon of water to produce, water that is increasingly unavailable.

A water charity in Porterville supplying bottled water to houses who have had no running water for over five months, near Bakersfield, California, USA. Hoses in the East of Porterville, many of which are on private wells, have run completely out of water as the water table has dropped catastrophically. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

A water charity in Porterville supplying bottled water to houses who have had no running water for over five months, near Bakersfield, California, USA. Hoses in the East of Porterville, many of which are on private wells, have run completely out of water as the water table has dropped catastrophically. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

A water charity in Porterville supplying bottled water to houses who have had no running water for over five months, near Bakersfield, California, USA. Hoses in the East of Porterville, many of which are on private wells, have run completely out of water as the water table has dropped catastrophically. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Abandoned dead and dying Orange trees that no longer have water to irrigate them near Bakersfield, California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.

Shafts of sunlight highlight the smoke from the King Fire that burned 97,717 acres of the El Dorado National Forest in California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, wild fires are much more common. Most of California is in exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification. 428,000 acres of agricultural land have been taken out of production due to lack of water, thousands of agricultural workers have lost their jobs and one third of all children in California go to bed hungry.