This presentation will examine some of the drought events that have occurred around the world during 2011, with a focus on the impacts resulting from these events. Particular attention during the presentation will be on the droughts that occurred in Europe, the Eastern Africa, China, and across the southern United States in 2011. It is important to note that more details about the Texas drought will be part of Dr. Nielsen-Gammon's presentation during this same session. Some additional information about droughts in other locations around the globe will also be mentioned (South America, South Pacific, and the Near East). This presentation will link nicely to several other presentations that will be taking place during the annual meeting focusing on new drought monitoring tools and evolving global drought initiatives, although these will also be presented within other sessions.