In the 2020s and 2030s, the climate is much warmer than most early-century climate models predicted. In response to climate-related disasters across the United States, especially the mega-drought that dries out the Southwest and flooded coastlines that cause migrations and massive economic losses, the federal government redesigns water governance, which also included agricultural policy reform.

Despite the Reform, heavy rainfall events and droughts continue to become more frequent in the Yahara Watershed, causing people to constantly, but incrementally adapt to the ever-changing conditions. Severe droughts in 2060 and 2065, followed by a torrential flood in 2070, test the long-term resilience of Yahara’s communities.

Explore the changes in climate through the pop-up graphic below.