This study compares climatological data for two climate extremes, severe drought and excessive moisture, to the experience and memories of agriculturalists based on extensive interviews with farmers and ranchers in the southern Great Plains of Canada. The climate data used were the Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index. While differences are expected between these quantitative and qualitative sources due to the fact that there is often a gap between any extreme weather event and its impact, there was less difference than expected. However, these gaps are significant because politicians, policy makers and emergency preparedness planners do, or at least should, take into account the perceptions of those most directly affected by climate extremes and understand the instances. The findings confirm the importance of localized and experiential knowledge in climate change adaptation.
Marchildon, GP; Wheaton, E; Fletcher, AJ; Vanstone, J
Extreme drought and excessive moisture conditions in two Canadian watersheds: comparing the perception of farmers and ranchers with the scientific record
Natural Hazards