It causes crops to fail, grazing land to dry up, forests to catch fire, drinking water to run short, and entire empires to fall.
The impact of drought on agriculture has consequences for both biological and economic survival, and many of its impacts and victims can go unrecognized for months.
Warmer temperatures brought on by greenhouse gases are changing the climate. It appears some droughts no longer dissipate as quickly.
But now, scientists are researching ways to reduce the destructive social impact of the changing climate that is already evident around the world. Planning the right response to future droughts is becoming increasingly vital in order to save lives and the natural environment.