A new NASA-Cornell University study on long-range climate asserts a megadrought is possible for a large area of the U.S. in the not-too-distant future.

Megadrought is a drought that could last for several decades, bringing with it life-and-planet-changing developments that could spell disaster not only to farmers but the population-at-large, according to Southwest Farm Press.

Authors of the study say scientific evidence supports their conclusion and warn that how we manage water resources in coming years will be critical.

The study also cautions on how much the Southwest and Great Plains continue to add carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.