The University of Arizona

Climate Science and Drought Planning: The Arizona Experience | CLIMAS

Climate Science and Drought Planning: The Arizona Experience

TitleClimate Science and Drought Planning: The Arizona Experience
Publication TypeArticles
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsJacobs, K, Garfin, GM, Morehouse, BJ
JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association
Volume41
Issue2
Pagination437-446
PublisherBlackwell Publishing Ltd
ISBN Number1752-1688
Keywordsclimate variability/change, drought, risk assessment, sustainability, water policy, water resources
Abstract

In response to recent severe drought conditions throughout the state, Arizona recently developed its first drought plan. The Governor's Drought Task Force focused on limiting the economic and social impacts of future droughts through enhanced adaptation and mitigation efforts. The plan was designed to maximize the use of new, scientific breakthroughs in climate monitoring and prediction and in vulnerability assessment. The long term objective of the monitoring system is to allow for evaluation of conditions in multiple sectors and at multiple scales. Stakeholder engagement and decision support are key objectives in reducing Arizona's vulnerability in light of the potential for severe, sustained drought. The drivers of drought conditions in Arizona include the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation.

DOI10.1111/j.1752-1688.2005.tb03747.x