Local populations that go through extreme weather impacts learn what should have been done, and thus what should be done to prevent similar impacts from taking such a toll again. After the impact – in this case, of the extreme and extended drought in mid-state North Carolina – both citizens and government leaders make commitments to reform.

Citizens become more vocal about their expectations of government – that it will think ahead, plan and lead them in a smart direction. Government, in turn, expects citizens to follow the practices it recommends without having to enforce those practices. There is plenty of history to indicate that both sides fall down in their responsibilities. So how – in the face of climate change – can both citizens and government take one another seriously and stick to commitments? The article cited below only indicates the mindsets as two regions look back on a very dry couple of years.

An unscientific opinion poll of the readers of Triangle Business Journal (located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle area) showed plenty of public disapproval of the planning that allowed the recent drought to result in such serious water shortages.

Of the 447 people who responded, 43 percent said the response was “poor.” Another 31 percent went even further, saying the response was “very poor.”

In comments left with poll responses, people wondered where were the “forward-looking leadership” and “emergency action plans?” Most of the respondents were business people who appreciate the need for continued growth and development, but found themselves conflicted by the real limitations on water supply and a recognition that the recent drought may be a harbinger of more such conditions.

A long dry spell in the recent past was cited by one respondent, who pointed out that the lesson should have been learned then. Northern Georgia suffered severe drought conditions in the years 1998-2002, which resulted in studies being done of watershed management, and a Drought Management Plan in March 2003. Clearly, none of this prevented a near miss on Atlanta running out of water.

Hopefully, the threat of prolonged climate change – new climate – will motivate governments to do a better job of planning and implementation of mitigating measures, while citizens will comply with government-recommended conservation and preparation measures. Hopefully, there will more of an ongoing public dialogue happening between citizens and government as the stakes get higher.