Droughts can be naturally occurring and can also be exacerbated by human activities, such as over-use of groundwater and changes in precipitation due to climate change. The current drought in California is caused largely by natural weather cycles, according to National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.


Think about your own home, neighborhood, or town. What changes have you noticed locally? Have you noticed less rain and drought conditions, like many Western states, or more rain and increased storms? In what ways have these environmental changes impacted you, your families, and your community?