Many climate experts say a serious drought is on its way. What's more, this one will last not just a few seasons, but years and years. For the Canadian prairies, and its farmers, a drought of this magnitude will be devastating. The National's Margo McDiarmid examines the very clear warning signs of drought already appearing in southern Alberta. This film examines what efforts are being made to conserve water, the history of drought on the prairies and how global warming will impact the approaching "big thirst".

Title from disc label. At head of title: "The National". "CBC Learning"--Container.