NDMC research associate Paula Guastello presented the 2025 drought hotspots report at the Third International Conference on Climate and Development in Semi-Arid Regions in Brazil on Sept. 18, 2025.By NDMC Communications
New article shows continuing ripple effect of Wilhite’s work
An article by Don Wilhite, NDMC founding director, is the most-cited in Water International over the last 50 years. This is the official journal of the International Water Resources Association.
The article, published in 1985, is "Understanding the drought phenomenon: The role of definitions." It had been cited 4,813 times as of Oct. 15, according to Google Scholar.
Guastello shares global drought report findings in Brazil
In September, NDMC research associate Paula Guastello presented the 2025 drought hotspots report at the Third International Conference on Climate and Development in Semi-Arid Regions, held in Brazil. The goal of the conference was to bring more attention to drylands ahead of the upcoming 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30).
Guastello was also invited to be the keynote speaker at American Model United Nations International in Chicago, Nov. 22–25, for her work in climate issues.
Svoboda attends drought resilience forum in Eswatini
NDMC Director Mark Svoboda visited Eswatini in September for a drought resilience forum with the World Bank and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). At the event, the Kingdom of Eswatini launched their Drought Center of Excellence. Mark spoke on a panel about NDMC contributions to their drought resilience efforts over the past seven years.
Haigh and Hayes publish article on actionable climate decision support
As extreme weather becomes more common, it is crucial to communicate the increased predictability of weather extremes into impact risk assessments. To address this issue, Tonya Haigh and Mike Hayes coauthored the article “Five Lessons for Closing the Last Mile: How to Make Climate Decision Support Actionable in Earth's Future,” published in Earth’s Future on July 31. The article shares five lessons that can help transform climate forecasts into useful proactive interventions for producers.
NDMC featured in Rural Radio Network update
Svoboda and IANR Interim Vice Chancellor Tiffany Heng-Moss were featured in a Rural Radio Network IANR Update about the NDMC’s reach over the last three decades. Svoboda explained how NDMC staff monitor drought, track drought impacts and help producers be more drought-resilient. The discussion also included the center's impact both here in Nebraska and globally.
Haigh and Knutson win award for drought planning article
Haigh and Cody Knutson, NDMC planning coordinator, received the JAPA Best Article 2023 Award for their article “Planning Strategies and Barriers to Achieving Local Drought Preparedness.”
Their achievements were recognized at the JAPA Reception at the annual conference of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, October 23–25, 2025, in Minneapolis. The Journal of the American Planning Association is the journal of record for the planning profession.
The committee noted that the paper presents an excellent study on the increasingly important topic of drought risks and mitigation, with useful results for planning practice.