Since most of us weren't around to experience the Dust Bowl or the ecological nightmare that was it's aftermath, the best understanding most of us have is through the descriptions of others. Thanks to this amazing footage, now we can see such an epic dust storm in action. Turning back the clock to December 2007, we can take a look at what a super drought on the world's driest continent looks like.
Similar to the famous Dust Bowl that occurred during the Great Depression, the unusually dry period in Australia is resulting in large scale displacement and a mass exodus from the agricultural industry. Although conditions have improved slightly, it's going to take years of above average rainfall to restore much of ecological damage.
Being the driest continent on Earth, Australia is unfortunately serving as the guinea pig for managing water sustainability. They've already fought some of the battles -- desalination, water rights, agriculture, and development -- that might be waged in the US if rainfall conditions in the West don't improve.
That freaking dust storm is incredible.
[via BoingBoing]
No comments:
Post a Comment