I spoke to a group of experts last week on a topic all North Carolinians have become familiar with in recent years – drought.
True, we are not experiencing drought now, thanks to above average rainfall in recent months. But in 2007-08, the Tar Heel State experienced its worst drought since recordkeeping began on the subject in 1895. Climate experts say we’re likely to face worse droughts in the future.
So, a group of national and state experts on drought met in Raleigh. The meeting had three points – first, to discuss the climate picture in North Carolina (good news: chances are decent for ample rainfall in coming months), second, to talk about the latest Web-based tools farmers and others can use to prepare for drought and, third, to recognize the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council.
I had the chance to thank the council for all its hard work during my opening remarks. Council membership includes experts on climate, public water supply, weather, agriculture, forestry and water resources. It’s the council who keeps leaders, other decision-makers and the media informed about the latest drought information. They gauge rainfall amounts and impacts statewide. They share information on how rainfall deficits affect water supplies or crops or wildfire activity. They also provide forecasts. They are the eyes and ears for drought response and decision-making in North Carolina.
It is for this reason that officials with the National Drought Mitigation Center chose North Carolina to host their annual meeting. They wanted to acknowledge the council for its hard work, and also learn from the council so national drought experts can share with other, less experienced states how we prepare for and respond to drought in North Carolina.
So, I say thank you to the members of the council for their hard work and for writing the playbook on drought preparation and response.