Global Disaster - Drought - Research Paper Example

Global Disaster-Drought Introduction Human activities and natural factors have exposed the globe to numerous disasters. Some of the global disasters include floods, air pollution, droughts, tsunamis, tornadoes, nuclear blasts, cybercrime, and earthquakes. Global disasters have led to property destructions, deaths, food insecurity, human displacement, injuries, and economic loses. The recent technological growth, increased human activities, global warming among other factors has exposed the globe to future global disasters. The paper defines drought and discusses its causes, effects, and mitigation mechanisms. Ultimately, the paper draws a conclusion on why drought is important, the effects of ignoring it, and the need for future research to address this global disaster. Definition and Causes of Drought Scientists agree that drought is hazardous to the environment and relates to the scarcity of water in the earth surface. Apparently, the globe is encountering alarming water levels in MENA that define global drought. As such, drought is a global disaster subject to its adverse effects on the environment and global population especially in the developing nations (Pozzi et al. 776). The 2012 National Drought Forum report asserts that drought is the third most dominant global disaster after floods and earthquakes. Drought has been a prevalent global disaster for almost three decades subject to the magnitude and frequency of its motivation factors. It is inherently difficult to understand and define drought since its effects vary from one region to another. Different nations have distinct ways of defining drought. Generally, drought emanates from the lack of precipitation in a given area for a long time (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). We can only define drought in seasons and shortage of water supply in the environment. Humans consider drought with reference to precipitation where we assess the level of dryness and the duration of a dry season. The consideration relates to meteorological drought that applies to a specific region as defined by varying precipitation levels (Saddleback Educational Publishing 17). Hydrological drought is another form of drought and relates to how decreasing precipitation influences stream flow, soil moisture, reservoir and lake levels, and groundwater recharge (Saddleback Educational Publishing 17). Moreover, we have agricultural drought that relates to a situation where the level of water supply cannot meet agricultural water demands (Saddleback Educational Publishing 17). There are various ways that drought can occur. Numerous scientists have used global climate models to establish that the presence of extreme land and sea surface temperatures results from the increased average surface temperatures that lead to high water evaporation rates (Epule 145). The lack of significant and distributed rainfall or snow for a long time lead to increased average surface temperatures. Moreover, it is evident that changes in wind patterns can lead to reduced and moisture rainfall or snow for a long time since the wind moves the clouds can caused that move clouds and moisture (Saddleback Educational Publishing 16). Low precipitation and reduced water supplies causes agricultural droughts (Saddleback Educational Publishing 17). Moreover, global warming influences evapotranspiration that increases the likelihood of drought in dry areas (Wilhite 65). Indeed, evapotranspiration can lead to drought spells in drier areas that are evident in alarming water levels and deficiency of soil moisture in agricultural regions (Epule 145). Human activities like deforestation and desertification can also cause drought as they demean the soil’s capacity to hold water (Epule 145). Indeed, deforestation has led to droughts in many arid regions as nations lose the forest cover to attract rain and hold water. Other human activities that may cause drought include building dams from large rivers for irrigation or electricity production. The dam reduces the water supply downstream thus increasing the likelihood of drought. A speaker in the 2012 United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction told the panelists that drought is likely to become more prevalent and disastrous in the future (United Nations 1). Moreover, the future drought will lead to immense food insecurity, water shortages, and global conflict over the available resources. The amount of land that is vulnerable to drought is growing continuously as water supplies in dry areas continue to fall with significant values. Additionally, the expanding atmospheric circulation pattern also exposes the globe to future drought disasters. Expanding atmospheric circulation pattern entails a rise in warm air and loss of moisture that prompt the occurrence of droughts. The continued shift of jet streams, increasing global population, changes in storm patterns, global warming, and increased human activities exposes the globe to future drought. Effects and Consequences The effects and consequences of drought depend on the magnitude and frequency of drought periods. However, it is evident that drought affects the entire environment and global population. Drought derives social, economic, environmental impacts (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). Generally, long periods of drought lead to food insecurity, diseases, and malnutrition. More so, drought reduces the income levels of the victims (United Nations 1). Drought also leads to increasing food prices, threatens water resources, and damages habitats (Saddleback Educational Publishing 16). It is also likely to cause conflicts as people fight for the scarce water and food resources. Notably, the interplay between natural factors, human activities, and the demand for the scarce resources define the impact of drought in a given region (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). We can categorize drought with reference to its social, economic, environmental impacts. Economically, drought will lead to monetary loses subject to the destroyed crops. The reduced water supplies that result from drought also force farmers to use more resources on irrigation (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). Farmers also spend more money on buying food for humans and animals. Manufacturing companies that depend on agricultural produce will incur loses when drought destroys crops and kills animals. The reducing water levels at the lake will jeopardize fishing business while power companies will lack enough water to produce electricity (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). The additional production costs transfer to the consumer who pays more for electricity. Water transport will also suffer from drought since it will be difficult to navigate ships in lakes and oceans with low water levels (Saddleback Educational Publishing 16). The listed impacts inhibit the economic development as governments use more money to mitigate drought. Environmentally, drought will inhibit ecosystems. The reduction of water levels and forest cover that emanate from drought will destroy fish and wildlife habitat. Humans and animals will also lack food and water to drink (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). The deficiency of food and drinking water will lead to poor health and wildlife and human migrations (Epule 145). Indeed, animals and humans will migrate from one region to another in search of water and food. Drought will lead to reduced water levels, loss of wetlands, and increased wildfires subject to the expanding dry spells (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). The loss of forest cover will consequently lead to wind and water soil erosion that inhibits agricultural production (Saddleback Educational Publishing 17). Ideally, soil erosion demeans soil quality. Socially, drought affects human safety, health, relationships, and life. Indeed, droughts affect public safety, lifestyle, health, and human conflicts as people fight for the scarce water resources (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). Human beings suffer from depression and anxiety as they worry about the economic loses derived from drought. Moreover, the reduced water supplies and poor water quality lead to water borne diseases and other health problems. Indeed, drought causes airborne diseases that emanate from dust. Water deficiency can also cause deaths (Epule 145). The increased wildfires will threaten public safety and the global population will suffer from reduced incomes from agricultural production that changes their lifestyle (The National Drought Mitigation Center 1). Moreover, drought will lead to fewer recreational activities, as people will have no time for leisure as they struggle to survive with the scarce resources. Prevention and Protection Preparedness and mitigation can reduce the effects of this disaster. Indeed, we can rely on climate studies that address climate models, atmospheric patterns, precipitation, soil moisture, and water table to predict the occurrence of droughts (San Diego State University 1). We can also use ground-based information to monitor drought causes. Moreover, satellite observations can also be relevant in monitoring drought over a wide-area (Wilhite 64). Ultimately, we should respond to drought by improving drought monitoring, managing water and crops, augmenting water sources, increasing public education on drought, conserving water, reducing water demand, and planning on drought (San Diego State University 1). The Global Drought Early Warning System (GDEWS) can help in this course by maximizing the lead-time for early warning and creating enough time to develop mitigation measures with the aim of reducing our vulnerability to drought (Pozzi et al. 779-781).  Apparently, we can implement drought preparedness and mitigation by conserving soil and water as well as managing herds (San Diego State University 1). Ideally, conserving soil and water helps in reducing the alterations of the soils structure, soil composition, and natural biodiversity that play a major role in curbing soil erosion, preventing water pollution, and controlling surface runoff (San Diego State University 1). The agronomic measures of conserving soil and water entail mulching, contour farming, deep farming, and planting trees (San Diego State University 1). The strategy improves soil moisture and limit soil erosion. Engineering measures will depend on the slope of the region, type of soil, magnitude of rainfall, and other demographics of the region (San Diego State University 1). Another strategy that would help in implementing drought preparedness and mitigation is heard management. Herd management will include the reduction of herd, segregating herds, optimizing use of drought-affected paddock, and treating contaminated water supplies (San Diego State University 1). Other mechanisms of preventing drought include learning about drought and the environment as well as building dams for water storage. It is also necessary to build capacity and involve the community in addressing drought (United Nations 1). Monitoring and measuring water supplies and its uses across the globe will be fundamental in planning how to prevent future drought disasters. Drought-tolerant landscape designs and modern irrigation technologies will also cushion the globe from drought. Ultimately, advocating for recycling and reuse of water will also mitigate the drought problem. Conclusion Drought is a very important issue since it is the third most dominant global disaster. It is difficult to understand and define drought since its effects are not homogeneous. We have three types of droughts that include hydrological drought, agricultural drought, and meteorological drought that have adverse effects on the environment. Various factors can cause future drought. The effects and consequences of drought affect the entire environment and global population. Drought derives social, economic, environmental impacts. If we ignore this issue, the globe will be vulnerable to huge droughts that will inhibit human life. Apparently, we can protect and prevent drought from occurring through preparedness and mitigation. Indeed, conserving soil and water as well as managing herds can help in implementing drought preparedness and mitigation. Nevertheless, we need more research on how to mitigate drought. Works Cited Epule, Epule Terence, et al. "The Causes, Effects And Challenges Of Sahelian Droughts: A Critical Review." Regional Environmental Change 1 (2014): 145. Academic OneFile. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. Pozzi, Will, et al. "Toward Global Drought Early Warning Capability." Bulletin Of The American Meteorological Society 94.6 (2013): 776-787. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. Saddleback Educational Publishing. Water Conservation. Costa Mesa, CA: Saddleback Educational Publishing, 2008. Print. San Diego State University. Drought Mitigation. 2014. Web. 10 December 2014. The National Drought Mitigation Center. Drought. 2014. Web. 10 December 2014. United Nations. Droughts, the ‘Most Devastating’ Disasters, Set to Increase, Warn Climate Change Experts. Web. 10 December 2014. Wilhite, Donald. Drought and Water Crises: Science, Technology, and Management Issues. Florida: CRC Press, 2014. Print. Read More