Drought

Drought is a condition characterized by a lack of precipitation, leading to a shortage of available water for extended periods of time. Although it is an environmental condition, drought has considerable social significance, as human communities rely on consistent access to water for life. Ecological, political, and social factors contribute to droughts and to climate change, which is widely expected to contribute to a rise in droughts in certain regions. Drought may contribute to environmental degradation, political conflicts, and social inequality, affecting environmental quality, political stability, economic livelihoods, food security, and health, and in extreme cases, causing famine. The intensity and breadth of the social consequences of drought are experienced differently based on class and gender, among other social factors. For example, drought may compound ...