Case Study: Australia Droughts

• Which areas were worst affected by the drought?


  The South East
• What caused the drought?

  El Nino, Population, over use of the Murray darling River.
• What is El Nino?


  The trade winds over the Pacific weaken causing the water to cool and less rainfall to occur over Australia.
• What is overpopulation?


  The South East of Australia is particularly overcrowded with people and the population is growing - this puts pressure on limited water supplies.
• What is irrigation?


  To water crops artificially using pipes, ditches, canals and sprinkles.
• What is the Murray darling River used for?


  2 million people live in its basin, it provides water for agriculture.
• What were the social consequences of the drought?


  Rural suicide rates increased, especially amongst farmers and people left rural areas to move to cities.
• What were the economic consequences of the drought?

  water bill increased by 20%, farmers had to sell cattle and agricultural production was affected.
• What were the environmental consequences of the drought?


  Grassland turned to scrubland, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and wildlife.
• What is a desalination plant?


  Takes saltwater and make it into drinkable freshwater
• What is Greywater?


  water from showers, baths, washing up - waste water that can be recycled.
• What is legislation?


  Laws that people in Australia had to follow.
• Give an example of legalisation used to manage drought?


  ban on car washing and 4 minute showers
• How much drought relief did the Australian Government pay out to farmers?


  $1.7 million
• Give 4 ways Australia attempted to manage the drought.

  Desalination Plants, Legislation, Recycling Greywater, Government paid farmers drought relief