WCRP Global Drought Information System Workshop

Among the key recommendations of the 2011 WCRP Workshop on Drought Predictability and Prediction in a Changing Climate, was the development of an experimental global drought information system (GDIS).  The timeliness of such an effort is evidenced by the wide array of relevant on-going national and international (as well as regional and continental scale) efforts to provide drought information, including the US and North American drought monitors, and various integrating activities such as GEO and the Global Drought Portal. In addition to the evolving drought information systems, there are a number of other emerging capabilities that could become important components of any GDIS. These include regional and global experimental hydrological forecasting capabilities and a number of national and international near real time global multi-model seasonal (short term climate) forecasting capabilities.  Also relevant are two additional action items that arose from the WCRP drought workshop to, develop a drought catalogue, and to conduct coordinated research on specific high-profile case studies of past droughts.

This workshop focused on the steps necessary to develop a GDIS that builds upon the extensive world-wide investments that have already been made in developing drought monitoring, drought risk management, and short term climate prediction capabilities. The success of a GDIS will be measured by its ability to provide timely drought-related information and predictions that can inform decision-making.  The workshop goals and participants were further guided by a questionnairedeveloped by WCRP to assess the “World-wide needs and existing capabilities for a Global Drought Information System”.