Great to see this interesting project taking off, but note that the 'standard' way of measuring the impact of a drought is certainly not by virtue of its cost in cash. Indeed, this is very difficult to measure, and often includes only 'insurable' losses, or similar measures. Drought definitions must start with the meteorological and hydrological definitions, qualified by areal extent and duration. Then they go to intensity, and only then on to economic aspects. There are many unquantifiable aspects of droughts. A recent lecture on this theme is available at Gresham College's website http://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/the-creeping-paralysis-of-drought. Enjoy!
Published by Carolyn Roberts, Professor
Great to see this interesting project taking off, but note that the 'standard' way of measuring the impact of a drought is certainly not by virtue of its cost in cash. Indeed, this is very difficult to measure, and often includes only 'insurable' losses, or similar measures. Drought definitions must start with the meteorological and hydrological definitions, qualified by areal extent and duration. Then they go to intensity, and only then on to economic aspects. There are many unquantifiable aspects of droughts. A recent lecture on this theme is available at Gresham College's website http://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/the-creeping-paralysis-of-drought. Enjoy!