Some thoughts on today's Environminute.
Researchers say they indicate a pattern of weather periods both wetter and drier than today.
Given the pattern, the scientists predict that a devastating dry period will visit tropical Africa again during the next 50 to 100 years. If the drought lasts several decades, it could bring famine and force large scale migration of people. Africa's population has doubled in the last 25 years. Its water use is rising even faster. The EnvironMinute is produced in cooperation with the National Safety Council and made possible by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation.