An overall consistent increase of global aridity in 1970–2018

Climate change is expected to introduce more water demand in the face of diminishing supplies, intensifying degree aridity observed terrestrial ecosystems 21st century. This study investigated spatiotemporal variability within global index (AI) values from 1970–2018. The results revealed an overall drying trend (0.0016 yr−1, p<0.01), with humid and semi-humid regions experiencing significant than other regions, including those classified as arid or semi-arid. In addition, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has gotten wetter, largely due increases precipitation (PPT) that region. Global driven primarily by decreasing increasing PPT potential evapotranspiration (PET), respectively. Decreases alone PET also drive aridification, though a lesser extent. alone. Slightly less half world’s land area exhibited wetting trend, owing regional PPT. some parts world, combined effects increased decreased drives wetting, decreases explaining others. These indicate that, without consideration factors (e.g., CO2 fertilization), may continue intensify, especially regions.