Using examples explain how different strategies can be used to reduce the impact of one type of extreme weather event. (10)

Drought is an extreme weather event that is caused due to long periods of lack of rainfall. This extreme weather event has become more common due to a number of factors including climate change and the growing population. However there are several strategies that can be used to reduce the impact that is extreme weather event has on people, which includes modifying the event, modifying the vulnerability of the people and modifying the loss.

Although droughts cannot be prevented, a way to modify the event is through hard engineering approaches. Hard engineering can be defined as a controlled disruption of natural processes by using man made structures, this includes building dams, and storage reservoirs and also improving water transfer systems that are used. These strategies preserve water for long periods without rain that there is urgency for it. Another way to modify the event is through Genetic modification technology to breed drought resistant crops, these are crops that can last a very long time without the need to be watered. This can modify the event as it prevents other problems such as food shortages and loss of business for farmers in drought affected areas.

Another strategy to reduce the impact of drought is through modifying the vulnerability of the event, this includes a range of strategies within it including monitoring and predicting events and improving education and community preparedness. Prediction can be used to modify vulnerability as remote sensing can be used to capture satellite images to map surface water and also other instruments can be used to monitor long and short term weather developments. In order to prepare for a drought people in MEDCs may be urged to conserve water, this was the case in the 2003 heat wave in the UK where hosepipe bans were but into place. Also to prepare, dry farming techniques may be used to conserve water, in LEDCs preparation is more likely to come from individuals whereas in MEDCs it is more likely for governments to legislate to enforce policies as a method of preparation.

Modifying loss is another strategy that can be used to reduce the impact of drought. This involves using insurance in richer countries and both emergency and long-term aid in poorer countries. In LEDCs international aid is usually provided through the United Nations, NGOs and Oxfam who usually provide food, shelter and healthcare for the people who are worst effected by natural disasters. These channels also provide long term aid in case of the reoccurrence of drought, an example of this is agricultural research to develop moisture conservation schemes for Sahelian farmers and also re-establishing farming communities through education, irrigation schemes and advice on land management .