Drought in Australia and North America: medieval times, the Future, and implications for society

My research is focused on drought in southwestern North America and Australia. By observing and processing climate records, I will be exploring the potential role the Pacific played in prolonged drought in the past (specifically during the late Holocene) and whether there is a possible relationship between the two regions and their climatic responses to El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). With a better understanding of how climate behaved in the past and why, a more reliable foundation will be available for anticipating climate stresses in the future.

The second portion of this project involves observing and assessing drought management methods and future approaches both in southwest North America and Australia. Because Australia has been forced to deal with severe drought for a longer period of time and is possibly more prepared for an intensified human-induced climate change than the United States, this portion of my research will primarily involve observing Australian policies in response to drought and how society is dealing with the issues at hand, along with future scenarios. With this insight into a variety of policies and management methods as well as the societal responses to these policies and the changing environment, we may be able to better contribute to future drought management strategies and improve the attitudes of people to the possible changes we may be faced with.