On US Drought & Heat: Impact and Outlook

Last week, the US Drought Monitor said: "Another week of hot, dry weather once again led to worsening drought conditions across the Northwest ... The excess heat continued to increase evaporative demand, dry out soils and vegetation, and strain water resources."

Separately, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said: "Exceptional heat waves from coast to coast helped push June 2021 to the No. 1 spot on the list of hottest Junes on record for the U.S. ... making it the hottest June in 127 years of record-keeping."

The following four charts highlight impact for the US and globally.

Vegetation Drought Response Index (July 4, 2021)

US Seasonal Drought Outlook: June 17–September 30, 2021

The map from Global Drought Information System below highlights the worldwide impact of drought including areas of South America and Africa.

OUR TAKE

• Persistent droughts and increasing temperatures will require adaptation in many areas of our lives including 1) water conservation/management, 2) alternative water source processing (e.g., desalination, recycling), 3) resilient food production (indoor, drought-tolerant, etc.) and 4) environmentally sensitive health care services.

• Successful adaptation to changing weather trends will require policymakers/regulators, business leaders, and communities to mediate a broad spectrum of local, regional, and global interests.

• As innovators seek new ways to manage these global environmental challenges, economic factors and geographic location will significantly influence the degree of their impact.