The 2011-2012 drought in the United States: new lessons from a record event

The record-setting 2011-2012 drought was the worst in the central regions of the United States since the 1930s. Short-term impacts included crop failures, job losses, water shortages, energy impacts, navigation problems and environmental losses. The event reinforced the need for water security and preparedness through */collective actions for mitigation and response. It showed that innovations in water management can improve resilience but cannot mitigate all risks; comprehensive water-management and emergency-preparedness solutions are needed, based on effective collaboration between institutions. The main lesson of this complex and significant drought is about the need to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and policy responses.