Drought is a natural disaster that affects the entire ecosystem, and in some cases can lead to serious impacts such as famine in the most severe cases. It is important for everyone to understand drought and take steps to help reduce its effects. One simple way to reduce water consumption is by turning off the faucet when brushing teeth or taking short showers. Using low-flow plumbing fixtures and planting drought-tolerant plants also help.
A drought is a period of reduced rainfall that lasts for weeks or months and causes severe water shortages. The lack of rain results in reduced water flows in streams and rivers, lowered lake levels and decreased groundwater recharge. Droughts are caused by a combination of factors such as low precipitation, high temperatures, and wind.
Climate change is a factor that can increase the likelihood of droughts by decreasing local precipitation and increasing surface warming. Other factors that contribute to droughts include the location of the jet stream, differences in air temperature and humidity between the surface and the atmosphere, variations in the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, and changes in ocean currents.
The impacts of drought can be very severe and last for years. They can range from the economic insecurity created by crop failures to a loss of animal life and the threat of famine. While many of the impacts are negative, it is possible for drought to have some positive impacts such as increased productivity in some livestock, and opportunities for businesses that specialize in well drilling during dry periods.