How do Droughts Effect the Ecosystem?
Overview
Overview
The greatest effect of climate is not its typical pattern but rather its extremes. The extremes test the adaptability of organisms and their ability to survive. Drought is one such extreme. Basically, a drought is an imbalance in the environment between the available water resources and the demand for water by plants and organisms. Droughts can be caused by lack of precipitation or a reduction in water reserves compounded by an increase in demand. Humans are often this determining factor.
Cost
According to the National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research, drought is the most costly natural disaster, surpassing floods. The NCFAR estimated that drought costs $6 to $8 billion dollars a year from crop and livestock loss among other impacts. The effects of drought can be felt in every aspect of society, the economy and the environment. While the immediate effects are devastating, long term effects can persist, compounding damage and loss.
Over time, drought can weaken an ecosystem by stressing plant and animal resources. Flora and fauna not able to find adequate resources are more vulnerable to predation and disease. A widespread drought can impact entire populations. The environment also suffers. Dry conditions can increase not just the number but the severity of fires. Normally, low-lying wet areas may slow or stop wildfires. During severe conditions, these natural fire breaks do not exist. During the 1998 drought in Florida, over 475,000 acres of land burned, causing over $500 million in damage.
Future
The National Climatic Data Center reviewed paleoclimatic data from the last 500 years to study the pattern of drought over time. The data suggest that there will be future severe droughts. While no one can predict when the next one will occur, what is certain is that the economic impact will be greater. The best plan is to develop mitigation strategies in the event of drought. Some examples include water recycling and restrictions.
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