Investigating the Effect of Climate Change on Drought and Desertification Risk in Kermanshah Province

Climate change is the most important global challenge, particularly in semi-arid regions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in climatic parameters on drought and desertification hazard in Kermanshah province, Iran, using precipitation, temperature, evaporation and relative humidity data during period of 1992 and 2018. Desertification risk was assessed through UNEP index. The results of this study showed that during the last decade, climatic elements in Kermanshah province have undergone significant changes. Among all climatic parameters, changes in air temperature were noticeable, so that the maximum, minimum and average temperature at most stations in Kermanshah province has increased significantly. Relative humidity decreased at most stations and precipitation decreased. These changes have been more evident and significant in Kermanshah city than in other parts of the province. The study of SPEI index showed that all part of the provinces impacted by drought and the southwestern areas are facing with more severe drought.The trend of drought changes in Kermanshah province in most parts of the province during the last decade compared to the decades also showed, an increase in the drought intensity and duration and a decrease in the length of wet duration. The desertification risk is observed in north. The highest desertification risk is observed in the southwestern regions of the province, mainly Somar, Naftshar and Ghasreshirin, but the trend of changes only in Kermanshah showed increased desertification risk due to significant changes in climatic elements.