Insights from the 2018 Drought in Ireland’s Broadsheet Media

Abstract

Public perception of drought is an important factor in sustainable water use. Heightened media coverage of drought events is shown to reduce public water consumption. This research examined Ireland's 2018 summer drought to identify how drought was framed in three broadsheet newspapers through a media content analysis over 19 weeks. Ireland provided a novel case study due to its rainy climate and lack of drought management strategies. Since the 1970s, few hydrological droughts occurred in Ireland, but forecasts indicate the country is likely to experience greater precipitation deficits in summer. In Ireland, as elsewhere, greater understanding of behavioural change and water conservation communication is needed given projected trends for increased frequency and severity of drought events. This research explored water conservation communication in the media to support better public response to future droughts in Ireland and elsewhere. Results demonstrated delayed media coverage of the drought and insufficient advice may have hampered public water conservation efforts. In addition, the role of climate change in exacerbating drought was under and misrepresented, potentially discouraging mitigative behaviours and acceptance of climate and water management policies. Earlier coverage of impending droughts with relevant advice could improve public efforts in water conservation and drought adaptation.