The impacts of droughts on the environment, economy and people
Environmental Impact
All environmental impacts of droughts in Australia, stem from the obvious reduction in water. One of the main impacts of drought that stems from the reduction in water is soil erosion. This erosion leads to a loss of nutrients and organic matter in soil. Strong winds blow off eroded soil and top soil, resulting in air quality issues from dust particles and pollutants. The decrease in air moisture leads to an increase in chances of fire hazards, which then in turn result in bushfires and dust storms. Another impact is the slaughtering of millions of livestock. Keeping livestock during a drought is not a sustainable practice because a lot of farmers can't afford to maintain the livestock.
Economic Impact
There are many different economic impacts of droughts in Australia, and they can be sorted into two categories, the first being national impacts and the second being impact on farmers.
The main national economic impacts of drought is the reduction in Gross Domestic Product which is a result of a loss to industries that are both directly and indirectly linked to drought regions. This loss to industries leads to an increase in food prices that impacts the entire nation. All of these things in conjunction with each other result in a reduction in the national balance of payment.
The second category that economic impacts of droughts fall into is the economic impact on farmers. Drought in Australia results in the decline in agricultural production, increase in service costs, inability to feed livestock and high stock loss. These impacts then lead to income loss and prolonged unemployment.
Social Impact
The social impacts of drought in Australia are probably the most devastating, mainly because the effects are very personal, that is, they impact the farmers daily lives. The social impacts of drought are mainly caused by the economic impacts that are faced. A high unemployment rate and rural debt cause a lot of stress and depression. Many farmers suffer psychological problems because their farms and businesses are destroyed by the impacts of droughts, this leads to a lower quality of life. There is a lower quality of life not only in the farmers but in their children, because they need to undertake more jobs to assist their families. This lower quality of life is worsened by temporary separation that is faced by families, as one parents looks for work in urban areas.
