National Drought Mitigation Center

National Drought Mitigation Center. The National Drought Mitigation Center is a leading applied research and information hub dedicated to helping people, communities, and institutions build resilience to drought. Established at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, it operates in close partnership with federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture. The center is internationally recognized for developing innovative tools such as the U.S. Drought Monitor and for pioneering the concept of proactive drought planning.

History and establishment

The center was founded in 1995 following a series of severe drought events in the early 1990s, which highlighted critical gaps in national preparedness. Its creation was championed by policymakers and scientists, including then-United States Senator J. James Exon, who advocated for a centralized institution to address drought's complex challenges. Initial funding and support came through collaborative efforts involving the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The establishment was formalized with the passage of federal legislation, positioning the center as a cornerstone for national drought risk management.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to reduce societal and environmental vulnerability to drought by promoting risk management over crisis response. Primary objectives include advancing the science of drought monitoring, supporting the creation and implementation of drought plans at all levels of government, and fostering interdisciplinary research on drought impacts. The center aims to translate complex climatological data into actionable information for decision-makers in sectors like agriculture, water resources management, and public policy. A fundamental goal is to shift the paradigm from reactive disaster relief to proactive preparedness and resilience-building.

Key activities and programs

Key activities encompass a wide range of applied research, outreach, and education initiatives. The center coordinates the weekly production of the authoritative U.S. Drought Monitor map in partnership with NOAA and the USDA. It manages the Drought-Ready Communities guide and provides direct technical assistance to states like California and Texas for developing state drought plans. Significant programs include managing the Drought Impact Reporter, a national database, and conducting training workshops for entities such as Native American tribes and water conservation districts. The center also contributes to international efforts through collaborations with organizations like the World Meteorological Organization.

Drought monitoring and tools

The center develops and maintains a suite of essential tools for tracking and assessing drought conditions. The flagship product, the U.S. Drought Monitor, synthesizes data on precipitation, soil moisture, streamflow, and other indicators to classify drought intensity. Other critical tools include the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI), the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and the Drought Risk Atlas, which provides historical context for current conditions. These resources are used extensively by agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for triggering disaster declarations and informing water management decisions.

Partnerships and collaborations

Operations are deeply collaborative, involving a vast network of academic, governmental, and non-governmental partners. The center works directly with federal agencies such as the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and the U.S. Geological Survey. It engages with regional entities like the High Plains Regional Climate Center and international bodies including the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Collaborations extend to state climatologists, extension services at land-grant universities, and non-profits like the National Drought Resilience Partnership, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to drought challenges.

Impact and recognition

The center's work has profoundly influenced drought policy and practice across the United States and globally. Its tools and planning frameworks are credited with improving water management during major droughts, such as the 2012 North American drought and the California drought (2011-2017). The U.S. Drought Monitor is officially used by the USDA for administering disaster assistance programs like the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. The center's experts regularly advise congressional committees and have contributed to seminal reports for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Its innovative approaches have earned awards and recognition from professional societies including the American Meteorological Society. Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:Climate change organizations Category:Organizations based in Lincoln, Nebraska Category:University of Nebraska–Lincoln