In response to these exceptional drought conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) convened the 2021 Southwest Drought Forum. According to the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, by 2050 drought may cost Colorado an additional $830 million in annual damages, with $511 million from agriculture alone. To adapt to drought risk, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association recommended 1) state and local policies (e.g., state water plans) that advance agricultural priorities; 2) interagency and interindustry coordination to support community-led response efforts; 3) relief programs that can provide direct adaptation support for agricultural communities such as mental health resources, conflict resolution assistance, and risk management guidance; 4) changes to disaster aid to ensure it is promptly available based on drought and climate indicators; 5) incentives for ecosystem markets, 6) disaster-specific recovery funding for multi-hazard resilience; and 7) built and green infrastructure solutions for future water management. Drought also impacts human health outcomes, degrades air and water quality, increases incidence of disease, increases mental health stresses (www.cdc.gov/nceh/drought/default.htm), and, combined with intensifying heat waves, leads to increases in mortality and morbidity....

Preparing for Long-Term Drought and Aridification

10.1175/BAMS-D-21-0321.1