Economics and societal considerations of drought

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  • Authors: Prestemon, Jeff; Kruger, Linda; Abt, Karen L.; Bowker, Michael; Brandeis, Consuelo; Calkin, Dave; Donovan, Geoffrey H.; Ham, Charlotte; Holmes, Thomas P.; Kline, Jeffrey; Warziniack, Travis
  • Publication Year: 2016
  • Publication Series: Book Chapter
  • Source: In: J. Vose, J. Clark, C. Luce, and T. Patel-Weynand. Effects of Drought on Forests and Rangelands in the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis. Forest Service General Technical Report WO-93b, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, DC

Abstract

The economic and social effects of drought are diverse and related to physical characteristics of drought, including spatial extent, severity, duration, and frequency that combine to determine drought’s overall effects on society. Most of the attention given to economic and social impacts of drought focuses on adverse consequences, but technology, public policies, economic activity, and social systems are largely adapted to the historical occurrence of drought-at least within the normal range. This chapter covers traditional impacts from drought, and also highlights possible adaptations, noting when adaptation may be difficult due to growing stresses on water resources in response to changes in global climate and regional demographics.

  • Citation: Prestemon, Jeffrey P.; Kruger, Linda; Abt, Karen L.; Bowker, J. M.; Brandeis, Consuelo; Calkin, David E.; Donovan, Geoffrey H.; Ham, Charlotte; Holmes, Thomas P.; Kline, Jeffrey; Warziniack, Travis. 2016. Economics and societal considerations of drought. In: Vose, J.; Clark, J.; Luce, C.; Patel-Weynand, T. Effects of Drought on Forests and Rangelands in the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis. General Technical Report WO-93b. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. p. 253-281.
  • Posted Date: July 18, 2016
  • Modified Date: November 22, 2016

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