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United Nations conference this week at Cal Poly to study devistating drought effects

Thomas Loster

Scholars from around the world are coming to the Central Coast this week to study how to best handle a catastrophic drought situation. 

Cal Poly is hosting the United Nations conference, which organizers say is a first for the CSU system.

Dr. Ryan Alaniz, an assistant professor at the university, is coordinating the event and said Friday that even the White House is interested in a synopsis of what's learned this week.

"Recently we were contacted by the Obama Administration as they're very interested as well to have a 'white paper' or essentially a summary of our findings written for them to hopefully influence policy in the future," said Alaniz.

Alaniz said the conference starts Sunday and there are events planned each day through Friday, many of which are open to students and the public.

Toward the end of the week, participants will gather to discuss strategies and plan steps communities can take to mitigate the worst effects of drought.