DisasterDrought
During a drought, the lack of water can have significant effects on the environment, agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems. Global warming increases the likelihood of drought for multiple reasons. Firstly, higher temperatures generally accelerate water evaporation. Consequently, increased temperatures can lead to drier soils.
In the game
In the game Climate Cooldown, "Drought" is a Disaster card which reduces water and food resources due to the lack of precipitation of a region.
Prospective degrees
HydrologyEnvironmental engineering with a focus on water resources
Careers
Water conservation specialistDrought resilience planner
For the classroom
Discussion prompts by grade level
- What is a drought and how does it affect people and the environment?
- Can you think of any ways to conserve water during a drought?
- Explain the causes and characteristics of droughts, including meteorological and hydrological factors.
- Discuss the impacts of droughts on agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- Examine the socio-economic consequences of droughts on communities, including food security and public health.
- Evaluate strategies for drought preparedness, adaptation, and water resource management.
- Critically analyze the role of climate change in exacerbating drought conditions and increasing their frequency and severity.
- Discuss interdisciplinary approaches to drought research and management, incorporating insights from climate science, hydrology, and social sciences.
Connects to
