Report on Drought Conditions in New York State and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

A significant portion of New York State, exceeding 80%, is currently classified as abnormally dry or in a state of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Projections indicate a worsening of these conditions in the immediate future, with warmer than average temperatures exacerbating soil moisture loss. This situation presents critical challenges to the region’s environmental stability and directly impacts the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to water, climate action, and terrestrial ecosystems.

2.0 Current Conditions and Regional Impact

The prevailing dry spell has resulted in substantial precipitation deficits across the state. These shortfalls are a direct threat to water security and ecological balance, undermining progress towards SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Rainfall Deficit: The city of Syracuse is experiencing a rainfall deficit of approximately 3.5 inches for the summer, an amount equivalent to one month of average precipitation.
• Historical Context: The period since July 1 has been recorded as the fourth-driest in Rochester, the sixth-driest in Buffalo, and the fifteenth-driest in Syracuse.
• Ecological Stress: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has noted record low levels in some upstate streams. Consequently, the fly-fishing season on a section of the Salmon River has been postponed due to low and warm water conditions, highlighting a direct impact on biodiversity and local economies, which are key components of SDG 15.
• Water Conservation Advisory: In response, the DEC has urged residents to voluntarily conserve water, a measure crucial for ensuring the sustainability of water resources as outlined in SDG 6.

3.0 Meteorological Analysis and Link to Climate Action (SDG 13)

The drought is attributed to persistent atmospheric patterns that are consistent with broader climate variability, emphasizing the urgency of SDG 13 (Climate Action). Understanding these drivers is essential for developing climate-resilient infrastructure and policies, a core target of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1. Jet Stream Position: A primary cause is the northward shift of the jet stream over the U.S.-Canadian border, which has diverted storm systems away from New York State.
2. High-Pressure Systems: The dominance of recurring high-pressure systems over the Northeast has prevented the formation of rain, contributing to the prolonged dry conditions.
3. National Context: This regional issue is part of a larger national trend, with two-thirds of the contiguous U.S. experiencing some level of drought, underscoring the widespread nature of climate-related challenges.

4.0 Future Outlook and Potential Mitigation

While the short-term forecast remains dry, long-range meteorological patterns may offer future relief. The potential for increased precipitation aligns with the need for adaptive strategies to manage water resources effectively under a changing climate (SDG 6 and SDG 13).

• Hurricane Season: A potential increase in hurricane activity in October and November could bring significant moisture to the region, contingent on the breakdown of the prevailing high-pressure systems.
• La Niña Pattern: The development of a weak La Niña pattern in the Pacific Ocean is expected to result in a wetter and cooler fall for the Northeast, potentially alleviating the current drought conditions from October through December.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the drought in New York state directly addresses or connects to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This is the most prominent SDG related to the article. The core subject is a severe lack of water, with the text focusing on drought conditions, low rainfall, and the resulting water scarcity. The call for residents to “voluntarily conserve water” directly relates to the management and availability of clean water resources.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article explicitly links the drought to large-scale climate and weather patterns. It discusses the role of the jet stream, high-pressure systems, and the La Nina weather pattern as causes for the lack of rain. This frames the drought as a climate-related hazard, which falls under the purview of climate action, adaptation, and resilience.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The impact of the drought on natural ecosystems is clearly highlighted. The article states that “Some streams in Upstate New York are at record low levels” and that the Salmon River is “lower and warmer than normal.” These conditions represent a direct threat to freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support, which is a central concern of SDG 15.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

   The article’s description of widespread drought (“More than 80% of New York state is now considered either abnormally dry or already in a drought”) highlights the issue of water scarcity. The state’s response, a call for residents to “voluntarily conserve water,” is a direct measure aimed at increasing water-use efficiency to manage the limited supply.

2. Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

   The article points to the degradation of water-related ecosystems due to the drought. The mention of streams at “record low levels” and the Salmon River being “lower and warmer than normal” indicates that these ecosystems are under severe stress, making their protection and restoration a relevant target.

3. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

   The drought is presented as a significant climate-related hazard. The article details its severity and geographic scope. The actions taken by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), such as issuing conservation advisories and managing activities like fishing, represent efforts to adapt to and build resilience against the impacts of this hazard.

4. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services…

   The impact on the Salmon River is a clear example of an inland freshwater ecosystem being affected. The DEC’s decision to postpone the fly-fishing season is an act of conservation and sustainable management, aimed at protecting the river’s fish population, which is stressed by the low and warm water conditions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several specific data points and qualitative descriptions that can serve as indicators to measure the severity of the issues and, by extension, progress towards the targets.

• Indicator for Water Scarcity (Target 6.4): The article provides direct metrics on the level of water stress.
  • Geographic extent of drought: “More than 80% of New York state is now considered either abnormally dry or already in a drought.”
  • Rainfall deficit measurement: “Syracuse, for example, is about 3.5 inches below normal for the summer.”
  • Historical drought ranking: “In Rochester, the period since July 1 has been the fourth-driest on record. For Buffalo, the sixth-driest; in Syracuse, the 15th-driest.”
• Indicator for Ecosystem Health (Targets 6.6 and 15.1): The condition of freshwater bodies is used as a direct indicator of ecosystem health.
  • Stream water levels: “Some streams in Upstate New York are at record low levels.”
  • River conditions: The Salmon River is described as “lower and warmer than normal for this time of year.”
• Indicator for Climate Hazard Information (Target 13.1): The article relies on a formal system for monitoring and reporting on climate hazards.
  • Use of early warning systems: The information is sourced from the “U.S. Drought Monitor report,” which serves as an indicator of institutional capacity for monitoring climate-related hazards.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: syracuse.com