Assessing Drought Vulnerability Using a Socioecological Framework

Abstract

• Drought is a persistent problem on rangelands and adjusting management to respond appropriately is critical to both preserving natural resources and to maintaining financial viability.
• We explore the value of using a structured assessment approach to determining both social and ecological vulnerability.
• This approach allows for the identification of vulnerable ecosystems and business operations at regional and local scales as a basis for developing effective policies and programs.

Keywords: rangeland drought, vulnerability assessment, policy, climate change.