Last month saw widespread drought across the United States, as
54.6% of the country experienced drought conditions. According
to a recent report from the Washington Post, last month’s
drought easily makes it onto the list as the most expansive
drought in the United States since the 1950’s. Currently, more
than 80% of the land surface throughout the country is
abnormally dry. Droughts occur on a regular basis throughout the
United States. With growing evidence of global warming, however,
there exists the looming possibility of droughts growing in
frequency. The most severe drought faced in the U.S. was at the
peak of the dust bowl in July, 1934. During that month, more
than 79% of the country experienced drought conditions. What
makes recent droughts different than those of the past is that
they are being linked to overall planet warming. Though
controversy still surrounds global warming, the planet is facing
greater amounts of carbon emissions than ever before in Earth’s
history. Whether or not these factors