Nearly every part of our planet experiences times of less rain than usual. If we don't plan for drought and we assume instead that every year will be a good one, we're eventually in for an unpleasant surprise. But if we plan for drought, then we can enjoy the benefits of normal or rainy years and not get caught unprepared in dry years.
Drought is Expensive
Because it is slow-moving and doesn't usually involve direct property damage, we tend to underestimate the effects of drought. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimated in 1995 that drought costs the United States an average of $6 to 8 billion a year. The National Climatic Data Center has assembled a list of "Billion Dollar Weather Disasters" since 1980 (in 2007 dollars). Of the 90 events listed from 1980 to 2008, including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfire, 14 were drought and wildfire. Widespread drought in 2008 was estimated to cost at least $2 billion and threatened metropolitan Atlanta. Drought in 1980 led to estimated losses of $55.4 billion and about 10,000 heat-related deaths, and in 1988, $71.2 billion, with about 7,500 heat-related deaths.
One frequently cited estimate from FEMA is that "mitigation" - taking steps ahead of time to prevent known impacts from a natural disaster - saves $4 for every $1 expended. Planning ahead is generally seen as more efficient and more effective than measures taken in crisis mode. Drought researchers have found that after-the-fact assistance to farmers, for example, is expensive and doesn't necessarily reach the right people.
Drought Reduces Agricultural Productivity
In the United States, farmers bear the most direct stress from drought. In rural settings, wells may run dry, crops may fail, and forage for livestock may be scarce. Drought is one of the stressors on farm families that contribute to the pattern of small farms being consolidated into large agribusinesses. Ultimately, costs are spread more widely to taxpayers and consumers, who are also part of the food system.
In developing countries where many people practice subsistence farming, rainfall is closely linked to gross national product, and drought can trigger migration and famine.
Drought Reduces Urban Water Supplies
Urban water users are more insulated from drought because operators of large municipal water systems may be able to manage components of supply and demand. However, growing populations in chronically water-short areas such as the western United States, and in areas such as Atlanta that are more dependent on regular rains, contribute to vulnerability to drought. Recent studies of the Colorado River Basin have emphasized that the 1920s, when patterns of western settlement were established, were anomalously wet years. Los Angeles, Phoenix, and other western cities are built in part on unrealistic expectations of water supply.
As urban water supplies in some areas are strained, recognition is growing of the need to balance environmental, urban, and agricultural water use. The Endangered Species Act now requires river system managers to maintain certain amounts of water in channels for fish and wildlife habitat.
Who Should Plan for Drought?
Drought planning can and should be conducted at all levels of decision-making - by federal and regional water management agencies; by state agencies with authority over water, agriculture, the environment and natural resources, and health; by tribal governments; by water suppliers; and by counties and municipalities. Farmers, ranchers, and others whose livelihoods depend on regular rain should also know their options and have plans in place in case the rain stops.
Billion Dollar Weather Disasters, from the National Climatic Data Center
Adapted with permission from the National Drought Mitigation Center's website.