The document discusses droughts, including their causes, effects, and responses. It provides examples of droughts in Kenya in 2004 and Australia from 2000-2006. Drought is caused by a lack of precipitation over an extended period, resulting in serious water imbalance. Common causes include high pressure systems, air mass patterns, and climate change factors like El Nino. Droughts can cause food and water shortages for people and livestock, economic impacts from reduced agriculture and tourism, and the need for conservation efforts, aid, and policy responses. Planning for future droughts is important to mitigate their effects.

1. Drought