ECOLOGICAL DROUGHT

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY, GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: India has long recognized and monitored three types of droughts: meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural. However, there is a growing call from researchers to include ecological droughts in this framework.

EXPLANATION:

• This new perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness between human activities and ecosystems, urging a more holistic approach to drought management.

Traditional Drought Definitions in India

• Meteorological Drought:
  • Defined by a shortfall in precipitation compared to the long-term average, classified as moderate or severe based on the extent of deficit.
• Hydrological Drought:
  • Involves low surface and sub-surface water supplies, a critical indicator irrespective of precipitation levels.
• Agricultural Drought:
  • Occurs when meteorological drought persists for four weeks, impacting soil moisture, vegetation, and leading to observable socio-economic indicators.

The Concept of Ecological Drought

• Definition: Ecological drought is characterized by an episodic deficit in water availability that surpasses ecosystems’ vulnerability thresholds, affecting ecosystem services and triggering feedbacks in natural and human systems.
• Interconnectedness: Ecological drought emphasizes the ripple effects through communities dependent on ecosystems for essential goods and services.

Research and Recognition in India

• Limited Literature: In India, there is limited and disparate literature exploring the systemic effects of drought on ecosystems.
• Environmental Effects: The 2016 Drought Manual acknowledges environmental impacts, such as loss of forest cover and wildlife migration, but lacks specific indicators for monitoring or assessing these aspects.

Challenges in Implementation

• Policy Gaps: Most policies aimed at drought mitigation in India do not address ecological drought, and even hydrological drought fails to capture corresponding effects on peripheral ecosystems.
• Cost-Based Approach: Diptimayee Nayak suggests a cost-based approach to value ecosystem services, considering not just the loss but also recovery, revival, and changing costs of adaptation.

Climate Adaptation and Ecological Drought

• Metrics and Monitoring: Metrics and tools for monitoring ecological drought are still evolving, and knowledge gaps persist in understanding ecosystem responses to different drought severities and durations.
• Impact Focus: Ecological drought is seen as the impact of other types of drought on ecology, requiring a focus on understanding diverse ecosystem impacts.

Addressing Ecological Drought for Climate Resilience

• Drought Frequency: India faces challenges in implementing drought policies, with more frequent occurrences than official declarations.
• Global Warming Influence: Global warming has increased drought frequency in India, making it imperative to recognize nature as a stakeholder in drought management.
• Holistic Resilience: Recognizing nature’s importance in drought resilience can prevent maladaptive practices and provide sustainable solutions, as seen in initiatives like the Amrit Darohar scheme.

Conclusion

• Embracing ecological drought in India’s drought management framework can offer a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between human activities, ecosystems, and climate change.
• This recognition is crucial for devising effective adaptation strategies and safeguarding both livelihoods and the environment in the face of increasing drought occurrences.

SOURCE: https://india.mongabay.com/2024/01/explainer-what-are-ecological-droughts/?amp=1