causes of drought essay

Essay on Drought for Students and Children

500+ words essay on drought.

Drought is a dangerous condition which decreases the quality of life. It is termed as a natural disaster with harmful effects. A drought usually occurs when a region faces a shortage of water. This is mainly due to lesser rainfalls. In addition, droughts have proven to be fatal for mankind and wildlife as well.

Moreover, drought is the most dangerous for a farmer. As they do not have an ample supply of water, their crops dry out. This becomes a reason for worry as it is their sole income. Furthermore, drought also leads to various other problems for the environment and mankind.

Causes of Drought

Drought is caused due to various reasons. One of the main reasons is deforestation . When there will be no trees, the water on land will evaporate at a faster rate. Similarly, it lessens the soil capacity to hold water resulting in evaporation. Moreover, lesser trees also mean lesser rainfall which eventually leads to drought.

Furthermore, as the climate is changing, the water bodies are drying up. This results in a lower flow of surface water. Therefore, when the rivers and lakes will dry out, how will the people get water? In addition, global warming is a major cause of this. The greenhouse gas emitted causes the earth’s temperature to rise. Thus, it results in higher evaporation rates.

Subsequently, excessive irrigation is also a great cause of droughts. When we use water irresponsibly, the surface water dries up. As it does not get ample time to replenish, it causes drought.

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Impact of Drought

Drought is a serious disaster which impacts the whole of mankind, wildlife, and vegetation greatly. Moreover, a region which experiences drought requires a lot of time to recover from the disaster. It is a severe condition which interferes with the quality and functioning of life.

Most importantly, the agriculture sector suffers the most at the hands of drought. For instance, farmers face a loss of crop production, livestock production. Moreover, they experience plant disease and wind erosion. Similarly, they also have to face heavy financial losses. Their financial condition worsens and they end up in debt. This also leads to higher rates of depression and suicides.

Furthermore, wildlife also suffers. They do not get sources of water to drink from. In addition, when forest fires happen due to droughts, they also lose their habitats and life. Just like any natural disaster , droughts also result in inflation of prices. The basic products become expensive. The poor people do not get access to essential foods due to high rates. Subsequently, droughts also degrade the quality of the soil. This result in poor or no yielding of crops.

In short, drought is definitely one of the most catastrophic natural disasters. It causes loss of life, vegetation and gives rise to other deadly problems like famine. The citizens and government must join hands to prevent droughts to save thousands of lives. This joint effort can help save the world from such a catastrophe.

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Causes, Effects and Solutions to Drought

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the ten warmest years on record have all occurred since 2005 , with seven of the ten having occurred since 2014.

This is the general phenomenon known as global warming and is a catastrophic effect of the damage happening to the atmosphere and environment.

One of the consequences of global warming is droughts. Droughts have been a persistent issue for millennia, but with the current trends of global warming and climatic change, we expect this problem to only exacerbate, which could attract more calamity.

This article looks into droughts, their causes, effects, and potential solutions .

What is a Drought?

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) defines drought as a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems. The condition is characterized by a lack of precipitation, such as rain, snow, or sleet, for a protracted period, resulting in a water shortage .

When there’s drought, the average precipitation is low even if the amount of precipitation at a particular location varies from year to year. Consequently, plants die, stream flow declines, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall, and the depth of water in wells increases.

When such dry weather persists and water supply problems develop, the dry period becomes a drought; the world’s leading natural disaster .

Unlike most other natural disasters that announce their arrival and cause immediate destruction, droughts are a silent threat. They creep in unnoticed and can easily be mistaken for a harmless dry spell.

They will then build over time, eventually causing devastating destruction that matches – and sometimes exceeds – that of any other extreme weather occurrence.

In fact, statistics show that even though droughts only represent 15% of natural disasters, they took the largest human toll, killing about 650,000 people between 1970 and 2019.

What makes droughts more devastating is that they don’t leave immediately. Instead, they will linger for months or even years, affecting more and more people during this time.

But then, unlike other natural disasters, droughts can be occasioned by human activity . Well, they can still occur naturally, but human activity, such as water use and management, can aggravate dry conditions.

Types of Drought

Droughts are categorized according to how they develop and what types of impact they have.

According to NOOA, there are five types of droughts;

• Meteorological
• Hydrological
• Agricultural
• Socioeconomic

Meteorological droughts are when the degree or duration of dryness exceeds what’s typical for an area. That means this type of drought is region-specific, so what would be considered a drought for one region may not hold true for another.

Hydrological droughts occur when a lack of rainfall persists long enough to cause surface water like rivers, reservoirs, streams, or groundwater supplies to fall below a locally significant threshold and sometimes even deplete.

Agricultural droughts are occasioned by agricultural tendencies when available water supplies cannot meet the needs of crops or livestock at a particular time. This drought can stem from meteorological droughts, reduced access to water supplies, or simply poor timing.

For example, when snowmelt occurs before runoff is most needed to hydrate crops.

Socioeconomic drought takes a comprehensive approach to consider the detrimental effects of drought on the economic and social welfare of a community or region. This extends beyond just water scarcity to encompass critical areas, including agricultural output, employment opportunities, income, public health, and the overall well-being of life.

Ecological drought is where water scarcity negatively affects ecosystems, causing disruptions in their natural functions and processes. This results in a loss of biodiversity and habitat, heightened vulnerability to wildfires, and imbalances in ecological interactions. The overall health and capacity of the environment are significantly affected

Various Causes of Drought

1. natural causes.

Some droughts have occurred naturally, plaguing humankind throughout much of our history. Until recently, naturally occurring droughts were often natural phenomena triggered by cyclical weather patterns, such as the amount of moisture and heat in the air, land, and sea.

2. Altered weather patterns

The distribution of rainfall can also be affected by how air circulates through the atmosphere. When there is an anomaly in surface temperatures, particularly over the sea, air circulation patterns are altered.

This changes how and where precipitation falls around the world, and the new weather patterns will most likely throw water supply and demand out of sync, as is the case when earlier-than-usual snowmelt reduces the amount of water available for crops in the summer.

3. Excess water demands

Drought can also result from an imbalance in water supply and demand. As the global human population continues to balloon and intensive agricultural practices continue to be employed, more water is required to sustain the human race and agricultural practices .

This continues to tip the scales, making droughts a reality with each passing day. A study estimated that between 1960 and 2010, the human consumption of water increased the frequency of drought in North America by 25% .

The situation is worsened by dwindling rainfalls, forcing people to pump more water from rivers, aquifers, and reservoirs. Doing this depletes valuable water resources that could take years to replenish and could permanently impact future water availability.

At the same time, the demand for water supplied by upstream lakes and rivers, particularly in the form of irrigation and hydroelectric dams, leads to the diminishing or drying out of downstream water sources, further contributing to droughts in other regions.

4. Deforestation and soil degradation

Trees and plants are essential as they release moisture into the atmosphere, resulting in clouds forming and rainfall falling, returning the moisture to the ground. Unfortunately, the human race is the best at destroying these natural resources .

When forests and vegetation disappear, less water is available to feed the water cycle , making entire regions more vulnerable to drought. Meanwhile, deforestation and other poor land-use practices, like intensive farming , continue to diminish soil quality and reduce the land’s ability to absorb and retain water.

As a result, soil dries out faster, inducing agricultural droughts, and less groundwater is replenished, contributing to hydrological drought.

5. Global warming

As the name suggests, the planet is warming at alarming rates and could cause droughts. Global warming is mainly associated with human activity , such as releasing greenhouse gases which cause a trapping effect, prompting the global temperatures to rise.

With increased temperatures, water from rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies continue to evaporate. Coupled with other factors, this can lead to decreased rainfall and ultimately result in drought conditions.

6. Climate change

Rising temperatures have the effect of making wet regions wetter and dry regions drier. For wetter regions, warm air will absorb more water, leading to larger rain events, while in more arid regions, warmer temperatures mean water evaporates more quickly.

Climate change also alters large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, causing a shift in storm tracks off their typical paths. This, in turn, magnifies weather extremes, which is one reason why climate models predict the already parched U.S. Southwest and the Mediterranean will continue to get drier .

7. Fluctuating ocean and land temperatures

Global weather patterns, including dry and wet conditions on land, are determined mainly by ocean temperatures, and even minor temperature changes can have profound consequences on climate systems.

According to research, extreme weather patterns on land, such as protracted droughts in North America and the eastern Mediterranean correspond directly to dramatic and prolonged temperature changes in the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans.

Disastrous Effects of Drought

1. hunger and famine.

Droughts cause a shortage of water necessary for growing food crops, either through natural rainfall or irrigation from water reserves. This shortage undermines or destroys the food supply, leading to hunger and, in severe cases, famine.

The best example is the 1984 famine in Ethiopia , which resulted from a deadly combination of a severe drought and a dangerously ineffective government, leading to hundreds of thousands dying.

2. Insufficient drinking water

Droughts create water scarcity and endanger individuals with insufficient water to drink or use. The fundamental need for water to sustain life forces individuals to seek untreated sources, potentially causing sickness.

The absence of clean water furthermore produces unsanitary public facilities and poor personal hygiene, leading to a broad spectrum of life-threatening diseases.

Tragically, millions each year fall ill or succumb because of poor water accessibility and inadequate sanitation. The severity of this predicament only intensifies during drought conditions.

3. Wildfires and an effect on wildlife

The low moisture and precipitation that often depict droughts can quickly create hazardous conditions in forests and across rangelands, setting the stage for wildfires that may cause injuries, deaths, extensive property damage, and shrunk food supplies.

Additionally, wild animals and plants adapted to dry conditions may still suffer and die without adequate hydration, potentially leading to increased mortality and reduced reproduction. This is particularly concerning for at-risk species with already dwindling numbers.

4. Social conflicts and wars

In times of drought, water scarcity may eventually lead to inadequate food supplies, leading to competition and potentially fatal conflicts among individuals fighting for survival.

A case in point is the ongoing Syrian Civil War . It is believed to have started after millions of rural Syrians fled the drought-stricken rural areas for the cities, triggering unrest.

5. Migration and relocation

Faced with the other impacts of drought, many people and animals will flee a drought-stricken area in search of a new home with a better water supply and enough food.

6. Blackouts

Hydroelectricity remains the primary source of power for many people worldwide. However, droughts can impede hydroelectricity generation by decreasing the amount of water available in reservoirs. This diminishes the amount of power available to consumers.

7. Economic effects

Droughts frequently have a negative financial impact on families, businesses, governments, and individuals. Low yields lead to significant revenue loss, resulting in pay reductions and farm labor layoffs.

Also, since droughts mean that hydropower plants operate at a reduced capacity, it may skyrocket electricity bills for businesses and enterprises that rely on this energy source.

Effective Solutions to Drought

1. harvesting rainwater.

This is an easy solution to droughts and can be easily employed at home. With rainwater harvesting , homes can store the water they get from rain and then use it in dry conditions rather than exhausting present water bodies like rivers.

For a house with a primary water source, rainwater harvesting provides an auxiliary option for use when water is unavailable.

2. Planting more trees and combating deforestation

This is something that needs to be employed by everyone in the world. It is a piece of old-age advice but still applies today.

Planting more trees will improve the quality of the environment and increase the success of precipitation. It can reverse an area’s drought and arid conditions if the trees are maintained well until maturity.

Of course, for the afforestation initiative to work effectively, we should refrain from cutting the existing ones unless more are planted to replace them.

3. Switching to renewable energies

We have for centuries relied on non-renewable sources for our energy , like petroleum.

And while they’ve served as well, the extraction and use of these energies result in more greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere , resulting in global warming and consequently droughts.

The alternative is to switch to renewable sources like wind and solar, which have little to no effect on the environment and will not result in droughts.

4. Solar pumps 

Water is most commonly pumped out of the earth to irrigate crops or supply livestock with water. Most pumps do, however, generate electricity from fossil fuels; one of the largest culprits behind the current environmental crisis.

That’s where solar-powered pumps come in. Unlike their fuel-powered counterparts, solar pumps use solar energy to generate the power needed for the pumping.

Most governments seem to be at the forefront of campaigning for the transition, with some even providing subsidies to farmers so they may install them affordably.

5. Stricter government policies

These can be set at the local, national, regional, and international levels. Stringent laws must be implemented on those who use practices that can cause droughts or other environmentally damaging results. Doing this will stop climate change and solve the ongoing droughts.

6. Becoming environmentally conscious

It is essential to educate young individuals on the significance of safeguarding and enhancing the environment. This includes practicing recycling, reusing, and planting more trees.

Moreover, educational institutions, news media, and companies should emphasize the importance of environmental conservation, making it an individual responsibility to prevent droughts.

About Rinkesh

A true environmentalist by heart ❤️. Founded Conserve Energy Future with the sole motto of providing helpful information related to our rapidly depleting environment. Unless you strongly believe in Elon Musk‘s idea of making Mars as another habitable planet, do remember that there really is no 'Planet B' in this whole universe.

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What causes drought?

A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems.

The amount of precipitation at a particular location varies from year to year, but over a period of years the average amount is fairly constant. In the deserts of the Southwest, the average precipitation is less than 3 inches per year. In contrast, the average precipitation in the Northwest is more than 150 inches per year.

When little or no rain falls, soils can dry out and plants can die. When rainfall is less than normal for a period of weeks to years, streamflows decline, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall, and the depth to water in wells increases. If dry weather persists and water-supply problems develop, the dry period can become a drought.

Learn more:

• USGS Drought website
• National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)

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When does a drought begin and end?

The beginning of a drought is difficult to determine. Several weeks, months, or even years might pass before people know that a drought is occurring. The end of a drought can occur as gradually as it began. The first evidence of drought is usually seen in records of rainfall. Within a short period of time, the amount of moisture in soils can begin to decrease. The effects of a drought on flow in...

Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?

To view the USGS streamflow information on drought, see the drought map on our WaterWatch site, which shows below-normal, 7-day average streamflow compared to historical streamflow for the United States. Links to additional maps and drought data are listed on the USGS Drought website and the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) .

Why doesn't a drought end when it rains?

Rainfall in any form will provide some drought relief. A good analogy might be how medicine and illness relate to each other. A single dose of medicine can alleviate symptoms of illness, but it usually takes a sustained program of medication to cure an illness. Likewise, a single rainstorm will not break the drought, but it might provide temporary relief. A light to moderate shower will probably...

What are the long-term effects of climate change?

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How can climate change affect natural disasters?

With increasing global surface temperatures the possibility of more droughts and increased intensity of storms will likely occur. As more water vapor is evaporated into the atmosphere it becomes fuel for more powerful storms to develop. More heat in the atmosphere and warmer ocean surface temperatures can lead to increased wind speeds in tropical storms. Rising sea levels expose higher locations...

What is the difference between global warming and climate change?

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What are some of the signs of climate change?

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What are the causes of drought?

A drought is a severe shortage of water in a particular location. A combination of factors causes droughts.

Meteorological causes of drought

Meteorological factors can cause an area to get less rainfall than average. Changes in global atmospheric circulation can mean it doesn’t rain much in an area. For example, the drought in Australia in the 2000s was made worse by changing air and ocean currents in the Pacific Ocean.

Changes in atmospheric circulation can also affect rainfall patterns. In the past, monsoon rains in India had failed to appear when they were due.

High-pressure systems can block low-pressure systems that bring rainfall to the UK. This can lead to drought conditions.

Hydrological causes of drought

A lack of water in stores such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs and aquifers (water stored underground naturally) can lead to drought. Areas that rely on rainfall and surface water are more likely to experience drought. Surface water quickly evaporates in warm, dry conditions leading to an increased risk of drought.

Hydrological causes of drought can take some time to have an impact. For example, water stores such as aquifers can take months or even years to replenish.

Human causes of drought

Deforestation leads to less water being stored in the soil. Therefore, the land dries out quicker than it would if it were covered in vegetation. Also, trees release moisture into the atmosphere through their leaves, a process is known as transpiration. Removing trees and vegetation reduces the amount of moisture in the atmosphere making the area drier.

Constructing dams and reservoirs reduces the flow of water downstream. This can lead to drought in other areas. There are several locations worldwide where this could lead to conflict in the future, including along the River Nile.

Intensive agriculture depletes water supplies as large quantities of water are required for irrigation . Additionally, livestock also has considerable demands on water for drinking.

Some locations are more vulnerable to drought than others

The map below shows the distribution of droughts around the world.

This map shows drought severity, measured as the product of the average length of a drought occurrence and how dry it was the drought. This visualization is based on data collected for the period between 1901 and 2008.

The areas experiencing the most severe droughts occur at around 30° north and south of the equator. This can be explained by global atmospheric circulation , as high pressure at this latitude brings very little rainfall.

Over time the locations affected by drought have varied. For example, there have been more droughts in Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean since 1950 and fewer in the Americas and Russia.

Some scientists have suggested that climate change might increase the frequency and severity of droughts in the future.

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Drought: Everything You Need to Know

Drought affects more people globally than any other natural disaster. Here’s what causes these prolonged dry spells and how we can mitigate their impact.

Herr Olsen/Flickr

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Natural disasters usually announce their arrival: Hurricanes uproot trees, tornadoes roar, and wildfires wipe out entire landscapes. These large, sudden events generate destruction on impact—and then they’re gone.

Drought is different. It doesn’t make a big entrance—the start of a drought might even be mistaken for a bit of a dry spell—and its impact builds over time. But while often described as a “ creeping disaster ,” drought leaves a trail of destruction as dangerous and deadly as any other extreme weather event. In fact, drought has affected more people around the world in the past four decades than any other type of natural disaster.

Here’s a look at what drought is, what causes it, and how we can better prepare for its impact.

What is drought?

Types of drought, causes of drought, are droughts increasing, drought prevention and preparation.

Drought is characterized by a lack of precipitation —such as rain, snow, or sleet—for a protracted period of time, resulting in a water shortage. While droughts occur naturally, human activity, such as water use and management, can exacerbate dry conditions. What is considered a drought varies from region to region and is based largely on an area’s specific weather patterns. Whereas the threshold for drought may be achieved after just six rainless days on the tropical island of Bali, annual rainfall would need to fall below seven inches in the Libyan desert to warrant a similar declaration.

Developing nations are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including drought. More than 80 percent of drought-induced economic damage and loss suffered by developing nations from 2005 to 2015 was related to livestock, crops, and fisheries. The economic toll of some $29 billion tells only part of the story. Drought in developing nations is notorious for creating water and food insecurity and exacerbating preexisting problems such as famine and civil unrest. It can also contribute to mass migration, resulting in the displacement of entire populations.

A refugee camp in Kenya

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation/Flickr

In the United States, drought is the second-most costly form of natural disaster (behind hurricanes), exacting an average toll of $9.6 billion in damage and loss per event, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information. Meanwhile, some level of drought often has some part of the country in its grip. During the historic dry spell of 2012 (the nation’s most extensive since the 1930s ), as much as two-thirds of the country was affected by drought at its peak. U.S. droughts can be persistent as well. From 2012 to 2016, scant rainfall and record-breaking heat in California created what is estimated to have been the state’s worst drought in 1,200 years .

These dry spells take a major toll on the economy, with the drought and extreme heat of 2012 alone resulting in an estimated $17 billion in crop loss es. As in developing nations, they can create conditions of water insecurity and higher food prices. Drought can also lead to regionally specific problems. In California, for example, a large number of native fish populations that depend on the San Francisco Bay–Delta Estuary —from the bellwether delta smelt to the iconic Chinook salmon—have suffered sharp declines due to reduced river flows during the recent historic drought.

Droughts are categorized according to how they develop and what types of impact they have.

Drought damage on the Fresno Harlen Ranch in Fresno, California

Cynthia Mendoza/USDA

Meteorological drought

Imagine a large swath of parched, cracked earth and you’re likely picturing the impact of meteorological drought, which occurs when a region’s rainfall falls far short of expectations.

Agricultural drought

When available water supplies are unable to meet the needs of crops or livestock at a particular time, agricultural drought may ensue. It may stem from meteorological drought, reduced access to water supplies, or simply poor timing—for example, when snowmelt occurs before runoff is most needed to hydrate crops.

Hydrological drought

A hydrological drought occurs when a lack of rainfall persists long enough to deplete surface water—rivers, reservoirs, or streams—and groundwater supplies.

Natural Causes

Droughts have plagued humankind throughout much of our history, and until recently they were often natural phenomena triggered by cyclical weather patterns, such as the amount of moisture and heat in the air, land, and sea.

Fluctuating ocean and land temperatures

Ocean temperatures largely dictate global weather patterns, including dry and wet conditions on land, and even tiny temperature fluctuations can have huge ripple effects on climate systems. Research shows that dramatic and prolonged temperature changes in the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans correspond directly to extreme weather patterns on land, including persistent droughts in North America and the eastern Mediterranean—the latter of which has been described as the region’s worst drought in 900 years . Fluctuating ocean temperatures are also behind El Niño and La Niña weather phenomena, with La Niña notorious for drying out the southern United States . Meanwhile, hotter surface temperatures on land lead to greater evaporation of moisture from the ground, which can increase the impact of drought.

Altered weather patterns

The distribution of rainfall around the world is also impacted by how air circulates through the atmosphere. When there is an anomaly in surface temperatures—particularly over the sea—air circulation patterns are altered, changing how and where precipitation falls around the world. The new weather patterns can throw water supply and demand out of sync, as is the case when earlier-than-usual snowmelt reduces the amount of water available for crops in the summer.

Reduced soil moisture

Soil moisture can impact cloud formation, and hence precipitation. When water from wet soil evaporates, it contributes to the formation of rain clouds, which return the water back to the earth. When land is drier than usual, moisture still evaporates into the atmosphere, but not at a volume adequate to form rain clouds. The land effectively bakes, removing additional moisture and further exacerbating dry conditions.

Manmade Causes

While drought occurs naturally, human activity—from water use to greenhouse gas emissions—is having a growing impact on their likelihood and intensity.

Climate change

Climate change—and global warming , specifically—impacts drought in two basic ways: Rising temperatures generally make wet regions wetter and dry regions drier. For wetter regions, warm air absorbs more water, leading to larger rain events. But in more arid regions, warmer temperatures mean water evaporates more quickly. In addition, climate change alters large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns, which can shift storm tracks off their typical paths. This, in turn, can magnify weather extremes, which is one reason why climate models predict the already parched U.S. Southwest and the Mediterranean will continue to get drier.

Excess water demand

Drought often reflects an imbalance in water supply and demand. Regional population booms and intensive agricultural water use can put a strain on water resources, even tipping the scale enough to make the threat of drought a reality. One study estimates that from 1960 to 2010, the human consumption of water increased the frequency of drought in North America by 25 percent. What’s more, once rainfall dwindles and drought conditions take hold, persistent water demand—in the form of increased pumping from groundwater, rivers, and reservoirs—can deplete valuable water resources that may take years to replenish and permanently impact future water availability. Meanwhile, demand for water supplied by upstream lakes and rivers, particularly in the form of irrigation and hydroelectric dams, can lead to the diminishing or drying out of downstream water sources, which may contribute to drought in other regions.

Drought-stricken Lake Powell, seen from space

Deforestation and soil degradation

When trees and plants release moisture into the atmosphere, clouds form and return the moisture to the ground as rain. When forests and vegetation disappear, less water is available to feed the water cycle, making entire regions more vulnerable to drought. Meanwhile, deforestation and other poor land-use practices, such as intensive farming, can diminish soil quality and reduce the land’s ability to absorb and retain water. As a result, soil dries out faster (which can induce agricultural drought), and less groundwater is replenished (which can contribute to hydrological drought). Indeed, experts believe the 1930s Dust Bowl was caused in large part by poor agricultural practices combined with the cooling of the Pacific and the warming of the Atlantic by as little as a few tenths of a degree.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) did not see a global trend toward increasing dryness or drought across the world in 2013, when it released its most recent assessment. But global temperatures have unequivocally become hotter, and hotter conditions precipitate extreme weather —including severe drought. Hotter conditions also reduce snowpack, which provides a key source of water supply and natural water storage in many regions. Regionally, the driest parts of the earth are getting drier, while the wettest parts are getting wetter. That’s why some areas of the world, such as southern Europe and West Africa, have endured longer and more intense droughts since the 1950s while other regions, such as central North America, have seen droughts become less frequent or less intense. Looking forward, as temperatures continue to rise, the IPCC and other researchers anticipate an intensification of those regional trends.

Cattle farm near Walkaway, western Australia

Jackocage/Flickr

We can’t control the weather. But by limiting our climate change contributions, reducing water waste, and using water more efficiently, we can prepare for—and maybe even curb—future dry spells.

Climate change mitigation

The impact of climate change, including more severe drought, can be mitigated only when countries, cities, businesses, and individuals shift away from the use of climate-warming fossil fuels to cleaner renewable energy sources . The Paris Agreement, which was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 and aims to limit the earth’s warming over the next century to 2 degrees Celsius, or 1.5 degrees if possible, lays the framework for global climate action. But the current commitments countries made under the pact so far aren’t considered enough to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. It will succeed only if countries go beyond their commitments, and that includes the United States. However, catering to big polluters instead of the will of a majority of Americans, the Trump administration had committed to withdrawing the country from the agreement, as well as from key domestic policies—from the Clean Power Plan to automotive fuel efficiency standards —that would reduce our nation’s carbon emissions. Fortunately, American states and cities , as well as more than 2,000 U.S. businesses, institutions, and universities, are taking the reins on climate action by reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency. It’s crucial that they do, as research indicates even meeting the agreement’s most ambitious targets will only reduce—not eliminate—the likelihood of extreme weather events.

There’s plenty of room for individuals—particularly Americans, who produce about four times more carbon pollution than citizens elsewhere, on average—to fight climate change as well. Actions include speaking to local and congressional leaders about regional environmental policies and finding ways to cut carbon pollution from your daily life.

Urban water conservation and efficiency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that aging infrastructure—faulty meters, crumbling pipes, leaky water mains—costs the United States an estimated 2.1 trillion gallons in lost drinkable water each year. (That’s about enough to drown Manhattan in 300 feet of water.) Meanwhile, a single leaky faucet—releasing just three drips a minute—wastes more than 100 gallons of water in a year. States, cities, water utilities, businesses, and citizens can curb water waste by investing in climate-smart strategies . These include repairing leaky infrastructure (from utility pipes to the kitchen faucet), boosting water efficiency with the use of water- and energy-efficient technologies and appliances (such as clothes washers ), and adopting landscape design that makes use of drought-tolerant plants and water-efficient irrigation techniques. In California, these strategies alone could reduce water use by as much as 60 percent . For individuals, there are many other ways to conserve water as well.

Water recycling

Recycled water —also called reclaimed water—is highly treated wastewater that can be used for myriad purposes, from landscape irrigation (such as watering public parks and golf courses) to industrial processes (such as providing cooling water for power plants and oil refineries) to replenishing groundwater supplies. Graywater—recycled water derived from sinks, shower drains, and washing machines—can be used on site (for example, in homes and businesses) for non-potable uses such as garden or lawn irrigation. Recycled water can serve as a significant water resource, reducing demand from sources such as rivers, streams, reservoirs, and underground water supplies. According to California’s Department of Water Resources, recycling has the potential to increase water supply in the state by as much as 750 billion gallons a year by 2030.

Stormwater capture

Every year in the United States, about 10 trillion gallons of untreated stormwater washes off paved surfaces and rooftops, through sewer systems, and into waterways. Not only does this create pollution problems (as contaminants from land get flushed into rivers, lakes, and oceans), but it reduces the amount of rainwater that soaks back into the earth to replenish groundwater supplies. The use of green infrastructure —including green roofs, tree plantings, rain gardens, rain barrels, cisterns, and permeable pavement—can increase water supplies substantially. Stormwater capture in urban Southern California and the San Francisco Bay region alone could potentially increase annual water supplies by as much as 205 billion gallons .

Farms affected by drought near Strasburg, Colorado

Lance Cheung/USDA

Agricultural water conservation and efficiency

Agriculture is the largest consumer of the earth’s available freshwater, accounting for 70 percent of withdrawals globally, according to the World Bank. Strategies for better water management in the agricultural sector focus on increased water efficiency and reduced consumption. These include improved irrigation techniques—such as switching from flood to drip irrigation, which alone can cut water use by about 20 percent—as well as more precise irrigation scheduling to adjust the amount of water used at different stages of crop growth. Meanwhile, crop rotation, no-till farming (a method for growing crops with minimal soil disturbance), and the use of cover crops help build soil health, which in turn enables the land to absorb and retain more water. Indeed, the use of cover crops alone on just half the land used to grow corn and soybeans in 10 of America’s highest-producing agricultural states would help the soil retain as much as a trillion gallons of water each year.

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Essay on Drought

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drought in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Drought

Understanding drought.

Drought is a natural event that happens when an area gets less rain than normal. It can last for months or even years.

Causes of Drought

Droughts often occur due to lack of rain. Sometimes, high temperatures can also cause drought by making water evaporate from soil and plants.

Effects of Drought

Drought can make it hard for plants and animals to survive. It can also lead to water shortages for people. In severe cases, drought can cause famine.

Dealing with Drought

People can deal with drought by conserving water, using it wisely, and planning for dry periods.

250 Words Essay on Drought

Introduction.

Drought is a natural disaster characterized by a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. It is a complex phenomenon that can have serious ecological, social, and economic impacts.

Droughts are primarily caused by irregularities in global weather patterns. Climate change has been identified as a significant factor, with increasing global temperatures leading to changes in rainfall patterns and increased evaporation rates. Human activities, such as deforestation and overuse of water resources, can also exacerbate drought conditions.

Impacts of Drought

Drought can have severe consequences for both the environment and human societies. It can lead to crop failure, livestock death, and water shortages, impacting food production and access to clean water. This can consequently lead to malnutrition, disease, and death, particularly in vulnerable populations. Economically, droughts can result in increased prices and job losses in agricultural sectors.

Drought Mitigation

Mitigation strategies for drought include water conservation, efficient irrigation techniques, and the development of drought-resistant crops. Additionally, improving climate forecasting can help societies prepare for and manage drought conditions. Policymakers must also prioritize sustainable water management to ensure that water resources are used efficiently and equitably.

Drought is a pressing global issue that requires concerted efforts to mitigate its impacts. By understanding its causes and consequences, we can develop effective strategies to manage drought and reduce its harmful effects on society and the environment.

500 Words Essay on Drought

Droughts occur when there is an extended period of below-average precipitation. This deficiency of water supply can last for months or even years. Droughts are categorized into three types: meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological. Meteorological droughts are associated with reduced rainfall, agricultural droughts with soil moisture deficits affecting crop production, and hydrological droughts with reduced water availability in streams, reservoirs, and aquifers.

The primary cause of drought is a lack of precipitation over an extended period. This can be due to natural climate variability, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or changes in atmospheric conditions that suppress the formation of clouds and rainfall. Human activities, such as deforestation and overuse of water resources, can also contribute to the occurrence and severity of droughts.

Drought Management and Mitigation

Effective drought management requires a proactive approach, focusing on reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience. Strategies can include improving water infrastructure, implementing water conservation practices, and developing drought-tolerant crops. At the policy level, it involves developing comprehensive drought management plans, early warning systems, and drought risk insurance. Climate change adaptation strategies also play a crucial role in drought mitigation.

Drought is a significant global challenge that requires concerted efforts to mitigate and adapt. While it is a natural phenomenon, human activities have exacerbated its occurrence and impacts. Therefore, understanding drought, its causes, impacts, and management strategies is essential for sustainable development and resilience. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to enhance our knowledge and strategies to better manage and mitigate the effects of droughts.

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Essay on Drought

Introduction

Imagine waking up to a day filled with sunshine, yet only a feeble trickle of water flows out as you turn on the faucet. This scenario, though fictional for many, mirrors the harsh reality millions face during droughts. Drought, a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation, disrupts the rhythm of daily life, impacting everything from agriculture to industry to personal well-being. In this essay, we explore the intricacies of drought, including its origins, extensive repercussions, and the pressing requirement for viable solutions to alleviate its catastrophic impact on communities globally.

Types of Droughts

Drought manifests in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and impacts on different societal and environmental sectors. Here are the main types of drought:

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• Meteorological Drought: Meteorological drought manifests when a particular region experiences an extended period of precipitation significantly below its usual levels. A deficit in rainfall primarily characterizes it compared to the long-term average for that area. This type of drought can lead to dry soil conditions, reduced groundwater levels, and decreased surface water availability.
• Agricultural Drought: Agricultural drought occurs when the moisture content in the soil falls below the threshold necessary to sustain robust crop growth and development. It results in a lack of water for agricultural activities, potentially causing crop failure, reduced yields, and livestock loss. Agricultural drought can have severe economic repercussions, impacting food security, livelihoods, and rural economies.
• Hydrological Drought: Hydrological drought is associated with deficits in water supply within hydrological systems such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It occurs when prolonged periods of low precipitation and reduced runoff diminish water availability in surface water bodies and groundwater aquifers. Hydrological drought can result in decreased water levels in rivers and reservoirs, reduced hydropower generation, and restrictions on water use for irrigation, industry, and domestic purposes.
• Socioeconomic Drought: Socioeconomic drought refers to the impacts of water scarcity on human populations and socioeconomic activities. It encompasses drought’s direct and indirect consequences on communities, economies, and societies. Socioeconomic drought can lead to food and water shortages, loss of income and employment, increased poverty and inequality, and social unrest. It highlights the interplay between environmental conditions, water management practices, and societal vulnerabilities in shaping the overall impact of drought events.

Causes of Drought

Drought is a complex phenomenon influenced by a combination of natural processes and human activities. Here are some of the main causes of drought:

• Climate Variability and Change: Variations in atmospheric circulation patterns, like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), can induce shifts in precipitation distribution, leading to intervals of diminished rainfall and subsequent drought conditions. Climate change exacerbates drought conditions by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of drought events in many regions.
• Deforestation and Land Degradation: Deforestation disrupts the water cycle by reducing transpiration and evaporation, decreasing rainfall, and increasing runoff. Land degradation, including soil erosion and desertification, reduces soil moisture retention and inhibits vegetation growth, exacerbating drought conditions.
• Overuse and Mismanagement of Water Resources: Overextraction of groundwater for irrigation, industry, and domestic use depletes aquifers, reducing groundwater recharge rates and exacerbating drought conditions. Inefficient water management practices, such as unsustainable irrigation methods and inadequate water storage infrastructure, can exacerbate water scarcity during drought.
• Urbanization and Population Growth: Urbanization alters land cover and increases impervious surfaces, reducing infiltration and groundwater recharge rates, exacerbating surface water runoff and flooding, and exacerbating drought conditions in nearby areas. Population growth increases water demand for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes, putting additional pressure on water resources and exacerbating drought conditions.
• Changes in Land Use and Agricultural Practices: Conversion of natural habitats to agriculture and urban areas alters the hydrological cycle, leading to changes in evapotranspiration, precipitation patterns, and runoff, exacerbating drought conditions. Intensive agricultural practices, such as monoculture farming and excessive irrigation, deplete soil moisture and degrade soil quality, increasing vulnerability to drought.
• Natural Variability and Extreme Weather Events: Natural climate variability, such as periodic fluctuations in ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation patterns, can lead to prolonged periods of reduced rainfall and drought. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and prolonged dry spells, exacerbate drought conditions by increasing evaporation rates and reducing soil moisture.

Impacts of Drought

The impacts of drought are multifaceted and can affect various aspects of the environment, economy, society, and public health. Here’s a detailed explanation of the impacts of drought:

1. Agricultural Impacts

• Reduced Crop Yields: Drought leads to soil moisture deficits, hindering seed germination, crop growth, and development. As a result, farmers experience reduced crop yields and lower productivity.
• Livestock and Pasture Losses: Limited availability of water and forage resources during drought periods can lead to livestock deaths, decreased milk production, and loss of grazing land, impacting the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists.
• Economic Losses: Agricultural drought results in significant economic losses for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural economies due to reduced crop yields, livestock losses, and increased production costs.

2. Water Supply Impacts

• Decreased Surface Water Availability: Drought reduces streamflow, river levels, and reservoir storage, decreasing water availability for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
• Groundwater Depletion: Prolonged periods of drought can deplete groundwater reserves as groundwater pumping increases to compensate for reduced surface water supplies, leading to long-term declines in aquifer levels.
• Water Quality Degradation: Decreased water flows and increased water temperatures during drought can exacerbate water quality issues, such as elevated concentrations of pollutants and contaminants, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.

3. Environmental Impacts

• Ecosystem Stress: Drought causes stress to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, leading to reduced vegetation cover, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and freshwater habitats are particularly vulnerable to drought-induced changes.
• Increased Wildfire Risk: Drought creates dry and combustible conditions, increasing the risk of wildfires. These wildfires can devastate forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and air quality degradation.
• Desertification and Land Degradation: Prolonged drought accelerates desertification and land degradation processes, leading to soil erosion, loss of arable land, and degradation of natural resources, exacerbating food insecurity and rural poverty.

4. Socioeconomic Impacts

• Food and Water Scarcity: Drought-induced crop failures and water shortages can lead to food and water scarcity, threatening food security and livelihoods, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
• Economic Disruption: Drought disrupts economic activities, reduces agricultural output, and affects industries reliant on water resources, leading to job losses, decreased incomes, and reduced economic growth.
• Social Displacement: Drought-induced food and water scarcity, coupled with economic hardships, can trigger population displacement, migration, and conflicts over natural resources, exacerbating social tensions and inequalities.

5. Public Health Impacts

• Waterborne Diseases: Drought diminishes both the availability and quality of water, heightening the likelihood of waterborne illnesses like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene protocols.
• Malnutrition and Food Insecurity: Drought-related crop failures and food shortages can lead to malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly, exacerbating existing health disparities.
• Mental Health Issues: Drought-induced stress, anxiety , and depression can affect individuals and communities, particularly those facing financial hardships, social disruptions, and environmental losses.

Case Studies of Drought

Here are three case studies of significant drought events from different regions of the world:

1. California Drought (2012-2016)

• Duration: The California drought, often called the “worst drought in 1,200 years,” lasted from 2012 to 2016.
• Impacts: The drought had widespread impacts across California, affecting agriculture, water supply, ecosystems, and communities. Reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains led to decreased surface water availability, while groundwater levels declined due to increased pumping for irrigation. Agricultural losses amounted to billions of dollars, with farmers facing fallowed fields and crop failures. Urban areas implemented water restrictions, conservation measures, and drought emergency declarations to cope with dwindling water supplies.
• Response: California implemented various measures to address the impacts of the drought, including water conservation mandates, groundwater management reforms, investments in water recycling and desalination projects, and habitat restoration initiatives. The state also developed long-term water management strategies to enhance drought resilience and adapt to future climate challenges.

2. Australian Millennium Drought (1997-2009)

• Duration: The Australian Millennium Drought, one of the most severe droughts in Australia’s recorded history, lasted from 1997 to 2009.
• Impacts: The drought affected large parts of Australia, including the southeastern states of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Declining rainfall, depleted water reservoirs, and drying rivers led to severe water shortages for urban, agricultural, and environmental purposes. Crop yields declined, livestock numbers decreased, and ecosystems suffered from reduced water availability and habitat degradation. The drought also exacerbated water allocation and management conflicts between different sectors and regions.
• Response: Australia implemented various measures to mitigate the impacts of the drought and build resilience to future drought events. These measures included water restrictions, water efficiency programs, investment in water infrastructure and recycling projects, implementation of drought relief programs for farmers, and reforms in water governance and management practices. The Millennium Drought prompted significant policy reforms, such as the National Water Initiative, to improve water allocation, conservation, and management across the country.

3. Sahel Drought (1968-1974)

• Duration: The Sahel Drought, a prolonged period of drought and famine, occurred in the Sahel region of West Africa from 1968 to 1974.
• Impacts: The drought had devastating impacts on the Sahelian countries, including Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Declining rainfall, crop failures, and livestock losses led to food shortages, malnutrition, and famine, affecting millions of people. The drought exacerbated environmental degradation , desertification, and soil erosion, further reducing agricultural productivity and exacerbating poverty and social unrest in the region.
• Response: The Sahel Drought prompted international humanitarian assistance efforts, including food aid, emergency relief, and development assistance programs. National governments and international organizations implemented drought mitigation and adaptation measures, including drought-resistant crop varieties, water harvesting techniques, reforestation projects, and soil conservation practices. The drought also underscored the imperative for long-term strategies to tackle the underlying vulnerabilities in the Sahel region, including poverty , environmental degradation, and insufficient infrastructure.

Coping Strategies and Solutions

Coping with drought requires a combination of short-term measures to address immediate needs and long-term solutions to build resilience and adapt to changing climate conditions. Here are some coping strategies and solutions:

• Water Conservation and Efficiency Measures : Introduce water-saving technologies and methodologies across agricultural, industrial, and residential sectors, including drip irrigation, rainwater collection, and the use of efficient water fixtures. Promote public awareness and education campaigns on water conservation and efficient water use behaviors. Enforce water restrictions and regulations to limit non-essential water use during drought periods.
• Diversification of Water Sources : Allocate resources towards alternative water sources like recycled water, desalinated seawater, and treated wastewater to complement conventional water reserves during periods of drought. Develop decentralized water supply systems, including decentralized rainwater harvesting and decentralized wastewater treatment systems, to enhance water resilience at the local level.
• Drought-Resistant Agriculture : Promote the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and agroforestry practices that require less water and are more resilient to drought stress. Implement soil conservation measures, such as mulching and tillage, to improve soil moisture retention and reduce soil erosion during drought. Encourage sustainable land management strategies, such as crop rotation, cover crops, and integrated pest control, to improve soil fertility and boost drought resistance.
• Water Demand Management : Implement demand management strategies, such as water pricing mechanisms, water metering, and incentives for water conservation, to reduce overall water consumption and mitigate drought impacts. Encourage water-efficient land use planning and development practices, including green infrastructure and low-impact development, to minimize water demand and maximize water retention in urban areas.
• Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation : Restore and protect natural ecosystems, such as wetlands, forests, and riparian zones, that provide critical ecosystem services, including water regulation, flood control, and groundwater recharge. Implement watershed management strategies, such as reforestation, soil conservation, and habitat restoration, to enhance ecosystems’ resilience to drought and mitigate downstream impacts on water quality and quantity.
• Community-Based Adaptation : Foster community participation and collaboration in drought preparedness and response efforts, including community-based monitoring, early warning systems, and local water management initiatives. Build social capital and strengthen community resilience through capacity-building, livelihood diversification, and social safety nets to support vulnerable populations during droughts.
• Policy and Governance Reform : Develop and implement integrated water resource management policies and plans prioritizing sustainable water use, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience. Strengthen governance frameworks, institutional capacities, and regulatory mechanisms to ensure effective drought preparedness, response, and recovery at the local, national, and regional levels.

Policy and Government Initiatives

Policy and government initiatives are crucial in mitigating drought impacts and building resilience to water scarcity. Here are some examples of policies and initiatives implemented by countries around the world:

• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) : Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a comprehensive water management approach incorporating the social, economic, and environmental aspects of water resources. Countries like South Africa have adopted IWRM principles in their national water policies to promote sustainable water use, equitable water allocation, and stakeholder participation.
• Drought Management Plans : Many countries have developed drought management plans to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during drought events. Australia’s National Drought Policy provides a framework for coordinated federal, state, and local drought management, including risk assessment, early warning, and emergency relief measures.
• Water Pricing and Market Mechanisms : Water pricing mechanisms, such as volumetric pricing and water markets, can incentivize efficient water use and allocation. Nations like Chile have adopted water markets, enabling users to purchase, sell, and exchange water rights, fostering water conservation, and enhancing allocation efficiency.
• Water Rights and Allocation Reforms : Reforming water rights systems and allocation mechanisms can improve water use efficiency, equity, and sustainability. Mexico’s National Water Law introduced water rights reforms, establishing a system of water permits and concessions to regulate water use and promote environmental conservation.
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies : Nations are incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into their water management policies to tackle the effects of climate variability and change, including drought occurrences. The European Union’s Water Framework Directive incorporates climate change considerations into water management planning and implementation to enhance water resilience and ecosystem protection.
• Investments in Water Infrastructure : Enhancing water infrastructure investments, including the construction of dams, reservoirs, and water treatment plants, can bolster both the reliability of the water supply and its resilience to drought. China’s South-to-North Water Transfer Project is one of the largest water infrastructure projects in the world. It aims to transfer water from water-rich regions in the south to water-stressed regions in the north to alleviate water scarcity and drought risks.
• International Cooperation and Agreements : International cooperation and agreements are essential for addressing transboundary water issues and sharing best practices in drought management. The Nile Basin Initiative brings together countries in the Nile River basin to promote cooperation, sustainable development, and joint management of shared water resources, including measures to address drought and climate risks.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

As we look ahead, several challenges and opportunities emerge in the context of drought management and resilience-building efforts:

• Climate Change Impacts : We expect climate change to worsen drought conditions globally, requiring proactive measures to reduce emissions and adapt to changing climate patterns.
• Water Scarcity and Competition : Population growth and increased water demand intensify competition for limited water resources, requiring sustainable water management practices and equitable allocation mechanisms.
• Ecosystem Vulnerability : Droughts threaten ecosystems substantially, resulting in habitat degradation and biodiversity loss. Therefore, conservation and restoration initiatives are vital for bolstering ecosystem resilience.
• Socio-Economic Vulnerability : Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of drought impacts, facing food insecurity and poverty. Addressing social vulnerabilities and promoting inclusive development are essential for resilience.
• Technological Innovation : Technological advancements like remote sensing and data analytics present opportunities for enhanced drought monitoring and early warning systems, thereby augmenting preparedness and response capabilities.
• Policy and Governance Reform : Strengthening policy frameworks and governance mechanisms is crucial for effective drought management. Integrated approaches and multi-stakeholder collaboration are needed to foster resilience.
• Community Resilience and Empowerment : Empowering local communities and building social capital are key to enhancing drought resilience. Investing in community-led initiatives and capacity-building programs can promote sustainable development.

Drought remains a significant threat, exacerbated by climate change and increasing water demands. However, proactive measures such as water conservation, community resilience-building, and policy reform offer hope for mitigating its impacts. Embracing technological advancements, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and prioritizing community empowerment are vital for navigating future challenges. Investing in sustainable water management practices and adaptive strategies can build resilience and ensure a more resilient future in the face of drought. Together, we can address the complexities of drought and create a more sustainable and equitable world for generations to come.

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What Causes a Drought?

A close-up image of dry, cracked soil during a drought. Credit: Public Domain

A drought is a prolonged period with less-than-average amounts of rain or snow in a particular region. The severity of the drought depends on the amount of time that a region receives below-average precipitation .

For example, a few weeks without rain could stress a farmer’s crops during the growing season. This is called a flash drought. But it could take a much longer dry period to see a full drought that would affect a region’s water supply.

What causes a drought?

A drought is caused by drier than normal conditions that can eventually lead to water supply problems. Really hot temperatures can make a drought worse by causing moisture to evaporate from the soil. Just because a region is hot and dry doesn't necessarily mean it is going through a drought. Droughts only occur when an area is abnormally dry. Here's why:

Rain and snow don’t fall evenly across Earth. Some regions are routinely wet and others are routinely dry. From season to season — and from year to year — the amount of rain or snow in a location can vary.

However, over a period of many years, the average amount of precipitation in a region is fairly consistent. For example, in the deserts of the American Southwest, the average precipitation is less than 3 inches per year. But, the average yearly precipitation in Atlanta is about 50 inches.

When a particular area gets less rain than usual, the soil gets much less moisture, too. The soil starts drying out and plants die. When this pattern continues for several weeks, months or years, the flow of streams and rivers decreases and water levels in lakes, reservoirs and wells fall. Eventually, the unusual dry weather causes water supply issues, and the dry period becomes a drought.

Two men examine roots of alfalfa and grass hay hit by drought in Sidney, Montana. Credit: Public Domain/USDA NCRS Montana

Does a drought end when it rains?

Yes and no. Rain can help during a drought, but it doesn’t make the drought go away. A light rain shower might cause the grass and plants to green up. But if that water quickly evaporates into the air or is soaked up by plants, the drought relief doesn’t last long.

A thunderstorm can bring lots of rain into a region, but often the rain comes so quickly that it goes into sewers and ditches instead of soaking into the soil. In fact, if a thunderstorm suddenly hits a region experiencing drought, it can cause a flash flood .

If a thunderstorm hits during a drought, the rain can come too fast to be absorbed by the soil and the water may just end up going down a storm drain. Credit: Public Domain

The only way a drought can really end is with enough regular soaking rains or significant snow. Rains that soak into the soil can replenish the groundwater. Groundwater provides water to plants and can refill streams during non-rainy periods.

One soaking rain may help improve drought conditions. However, multiple soaking rains over several months are needed to truly return things to normal.

How do we monitor droughts?

One way to monitor droughts is from weather satellites in space. For example, satellite data were used to develop a tool that alerts farmers about upcoming flash droughts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, GOES-R (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-R Series) and JPSS (Joint Polar Satellite System) series satellites can capture thermal infrared images of Earth. These images provide information about the amount of heat on Earth’s surface. This information can be used to estimate evapotranspiration, which is a measure of how much water is being transferred from the land to the atmosphere through the soil and plants.

By comparing the weekly evapotranspiration data from satellites with the average for the region, scientists can predict whether or not a region is at risk for flash droughts — and give warnings to farmers and ranchers if crops will soon be under stress.

The Evaporative Stress Index (ESI) is a tool created from GOES-R and JPSS satellite thermal image data. Here is an ESI depiction of a 2012 flash drought across the Midwestern U.S. Red and brown colors indicate extreme moisture stress. Credit: USDA

How do we compare droughts over time?

To get historical data about past dry years, scientists can use data from NOAA and a computer climate model called the North American Drought Atlas. Scientists can also look at tree rings from trees that are hundreds of years old.

The thickness of tree rings can tell scientists about historical droughts over the hundreds of years of a tree's life. Credit: Public Domain

You may have heard of using tree rings to learn about the past, but what are scientists looking for? There is information in the thickness of each ring. Thick rings mean the tree was able to grow faster due to plentiful water, indicating a wetter year. Scientists don’t have to cut down a tree to see the rings. They can just insert a hollow drill into the trunk and pull out a cylindrical sample with the rings included.