The new season of the BBC World Service series Life at 50°C has begun, with the first of four films exploring the impact of water scarcity around the world.
An audio version of the show, which explores the most deadly aspects of climate change, is also available.
New analysis by The Lancet's Countdown on Health and Climate Change, first shared on BBC News, finds that in 2023, 48% of the world will experience at least one month of extreme drought, and almost a third It has been revealed that extreme rainfall has increased.
In a new series, the BBC World Service will report from South Sudan, Syria, Australia and Colombia – the world's hottest regions where demand for water is already rising – and explore the real-world impact on populations in those areas. .
Extreme drought poses immediate risks to water and sanitation, food security and public health, but can also impact energy supplies, transport networks and the economy.
The first episode of the series, Poisoned Floods, by the World Service's award-winning investigative unit BBC Africa Eye, is available to watch on the BBC Africa YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer.
Audio versions of the investigation are available on the BBC World Service's Podcast Strand, BBC Sounds Documentaries, BBC Podcasts Premium (via Apple Podcasts) and all major podcast platforms.
For this hour-long film, the BBC World Service had rare access to the hard-hit areas of South Sudan's Unity state. In the region, 77% of the country experienced at least a month of drought last year, and half of the country experienced two years of extreme drought. At least 6 months. At the same time, more than 700,000 people are affected by flooding.
Some of those affected are currently living in the Bentiu camp, which is home to 140,000 displaced people and has been surrounded by water for nearly five years. At its worst, two-thirds of the state was underwater. People are forced to scavenge for food such as water lily roots to supplement UN food supplies.
The BBC presented evidence that the flooding may also include pollution from the country's oil industry.
A former engineer with South Sudan's oil consortium, the Greater Pioneering Oil Company, said in an exclusive interview with the BBC World Service that the oil could be a “silent killer”. The BBC raised these allegations with the GPOC and the South Sudanese government, but the government did not respond.
In the second episode, 'Our Water, Their War', the BBC reports from north-east Syria. Since 2020, an extreme and exceptional agricultural drought has affected northeastern Syria and parts of Iraq.
Episode 3, set in Australia, and Episode 4, set in Colombia, are scheduled to be released in 2025. Both films examine how environmental damage contributes to water stress.
Fiona Clack, Deputy Director, BBC World Service, said:
“This series not only examines how the crisis is reshaping the planet and the lives of people around the world, but also highlights the remarkable work being done to build a more sustainable future. I am proud of the BBC World Service team behind these important investigations and I am sure viewers will find each one compelling.”
Monica Guernsey, Executive Producer of Life at 50, added: “This year’s series explores the devastating reality of water scarcity and would not have been possible without our brave contributors who shed light on the challenges impacting their way of life.”
“Our work underscores the critical role of journalism in uncovering the truth, shining a light on critical issues, and giving voice to communities and people who are often ignored.”
Episode 1 will be available to watch in the UK on BBC iPlayer from today, Monday 11th November, and internationally on BBC News Channel, BBC World Service YouTube Channel and BBC.com. The audio version will also be available from today. The event will be broadcast on BBC World Service English Radio from 10.30am on Thursday 14 November.
