Management and Adaptation to Aridification in the Western U.S.

Frequent and severe drought is the new normal for the western United States. The long-term climate outlook for the western states is one of aridification, and the subsequent impact on water availability will necessitate innovative strategies to manage constrained water supply and demand. The portfolio of strategies will include new technologies, bold social adaption, policy and legal frameworks, and economic incentives. The western United States is not isolated in its management of aridification, and there are lessons to be learned from other arid regions of the globe. Similarly, global policy and markets—particularly international trade—both influence and are impacted by the decisions made in the western United States. The successful management of and adaptation to aridification requires a holistic approach that embraces the complexity of the hydrologic, socioeconomic, and political dynamics in flux from local to global scales.

This meeting will provide a 20-50 year outlook of the tough decisions and strategies needed to manage and adapt to aridification in the Western United States. The meeting will offer an overview of our current understanding of the hydrologic system and will highlight forward-looking opportunities—and challenges—that span socioeconomic adaptation strategies to technology-driven solutions.

This event is public and free to attend. More information will be posted to the event page soon.

How to Join

Instructions on how to access the virtual event will be sent to the email you use to register prior to the session. A recording will be made available following the event.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact Kate Voss at kvoss@nas.edu.