What Happened?
New studies indicate the prolonged dry spells plaguing much of the Southwest United States will likely increase in severity in the future, placing significant strain on agriculture and water resources.
Megadroughts
According to a new NASA study in Science Advances, the Southwest, West and Central Plains regions of the United States are at risk for experiencing increased drought severity in the coming decades. Known as megadroughts, these periods of persistent dry conditions and limited rainfall can last between 30 to 50 and are predicted to exceed the driest conditions that have been recorded in the past, leading to unprecedented strains on local economies and water supplies.
One significant contributor to the threat of megadroughts is rising greenhouse gas emissions reported worldwide. The NASA study found continued increases in human-produced greenhouse gas emissions significantly boosts the risk of severe droughts in vulnerable regions.
Currently, there is a 12 percent of a megadrought to set in between 2050 and 2009 in the Southwest, Central Plains and Western United States. If greenhouse gas emissions stop increasing by the mid-21st century, NASA scientists expect the likelihood of a megadrought to increase to more than 60 percent. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase along current trajectories, the likelihood rises further to 80 percent.
The climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions would reduce rainfall in the Southwest and Central Plains while increasing temperatures that will cause water sources to evaporate and dry up soil. Because water sources are tightly connected to energy and economic activity, megadroughts will have a far-reaching impact on local economies. Strong water supplies are vital to several societal operations including:
- Drinking water
- Transportation
- Hydropower
- Drilling
- Power plants
- Oils, gas and coal recovery
- Farming
With many communities in the West and Southwest regions already reeling from prolonged drought-like conditions, the NASA study underscores the need for more climate change initiatives and resource management programs.
Federal Support
The state of California, in particular, is struggling maintain economic sustainability while battling the fourth year of drought conditions. In response, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is offering $50 million in drought relief funds to support projects throughout the West. California’s Central Valley Project alone will receive $20 million in aid.
The goal of the drought relief funding is to help both short- and long-term projects improve water efficiencies and increase the resilience of high-risk communities throughout the region. The drought relief programs awarded funding will develop strategies to save and move water more efficiently while protecting habitat and wildlife. The projects include:
- California’s Central Valley Project: $19.9 million
- WaterSMART and Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program grants: $9 million
- Drought Response and Comprehensive Drought Plans: $5 million
- Lower Colorado River Basin Drought Response Action Plan: $8.6 million
In addition, the Bureau of Reclamation is also allocating $8.8 million for the Central Valley Project to support operations and maintenance, fish passage and fish screens, and Natural Resources Conservation Services water conservation partnerships to improve agricultural water use in California.
Related Stories
Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Available
How Cities Are Responding to Climate Change