A holistic framework to assess drought preparedness

Droughts continue to be a major natural hazard. Areas around the world face a pressing question: Are we prepared for another major drought given the likelihood of a remarkably drier future, where the frequency and intensity of droughts falls far outside our contemporary experience? This question is complex since it involves many risk management issues beyond traditional crisis management, including the impact of climate change, the status of infrastructures, the role of institutions and behaviors, and the limiting factors of the use of drought forecasts. These issues must be studied in a holistic framework considering the interdependence among the social, economic, technical, and environmental factors that jointly challenge drought preparedness. This chapter provides discussion of these issues and synthesis of relevant studies. We expect to shed light on an integrated research agenda for drought preparedness, which is urgently needed for our society.