Drought is not synonymous with shortage. Drought occurs when there is a deficit in precipitation, streamflow, soil moisture or all of the above. Shortage occurs when we lack the policies, incentives and technologies to balance supply and demand in a variable and changing climate.

That’s water wonk Dustin Garrick in a new piece urging a rethinking in our response to “drought” and “shortage”, calling for a shift away from our episodic approach. Bonus Steinbeck.