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As our planet warms, periods of extreme weather are expected to increase. While all weather extremes, such as flooding rains and heat waves, provide unique challenges, an increase in the occurrence of extreme, multi-year drought will have the greatest impact on natural, agricultural and social-ecological systems. The 1930’s “Dust Bowl” provides both a historic example of this type of weather extreme and an opportunity to learn from the past as we prepare for a more water-limited future. Water scarcity is already a contentious issue for society and extended periods of severe drought in the future will likely lead to instability in people’s jobs, changes to landscapes and wildlife, and an unsustainable use of water from other sources.

Panelists:
Becky Bolinger: Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado Climate Center,
Alan Knapp: Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology
Suellen Melzer: Department of Soil and Crop Science & School of Global Environmental Sustainability
Douglas Sheflin: Department of History, Public Lands History Center

Moderator: Gene Kelly, SoGES Faculty Research Liaison, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean of Extension