Drought
The link between climate change and drought conditions related to precipitation is still uncertain, but what is certain is that climate change makes droughts worse through its effects on temperatures. As temperatures continue to climb from increasing greenhouse gas emissions, evaporation rates also increase. The higher evaporation rates dry out land surfaces faster, making droughts worse. A dry ground also heats up more easily than a moist ground, making the area affected by drought even hotter.
Water is essential for life. Worsening droughts increase the scarcity of water in already arid parts of the world, creating new challenges to managing agriculture, food supplies, public health, and commerce. As access to water becomes more scarce, there is the potential for conflict over water resources.
High-Resolution Graphics
Resources for covering drought:
Interactives
WXshift — Local Climate Change
See how much of your state has been in drought since 2000.
