Expected European drought likely to worsen the region’s water crisis
Europe faces a growing water crisis as policymakers grapple with the effects of the deepening climate emergency. Drought and high temperatures have taken a visible toll on the region’s rivers and ski slopes, with reservoirs in Mediterranean countries like Italy experiencing water levels typically associated with summer heatwaves in recent weeks. Protests have broken out over water shortages in France and Spain. The European Drought Observatory warned in a special snapshot report earlier this year that conditions in late winter were similar to those seen last year, when high temperatures and a lack of precipitation resulted in a widespread and protracted drought that affected much of the continent. The latest available data shows warning conditions for drought for more than a quarter of the EU’s 27-nation bloc, while 8% of the region is in a state of drought alert. Analysts warn that Europe’s already “very precarious” water problem could get even worse this summer.
FAQs:
What is causing the water crisis in Europe?
The deepening climate emergency, along with high temperatures and a lack of precipitation, have contributed to Europe’s growing water crisis. The effects of the climate crisis have become apparent in recent years, with drought taking a visible toll on the region’s rivers, reservoirs and ski slopes.
What impact is the water crisis having on Europe?
The water crisis threatens agricultural production in countries like Italy, where water levels in reservoirs have fallen to levels typically associated with summer heatwaves. Protests over water shortages have broken out in countries like France and Spain. Analysts warn that the crisis could worsen this summer.
What measures are being taken to address the water crisis?
Spain’s government has approved a €2.2 billion ($2.4 billion) package to alleviate the impact of drought on its agricultural sector. However, analysts warn that Europe needs to change how it treats water, with stronger mitigation and adaptation measures required to address the growing crisis.
Europe’s water crisis expected to intensify due to impending drought
European policymakers are facing a mounting water crisis ahead of what researchers fear could be another climate crisis-fueled summer of drought. Water resources in Europe are becoming increasingly scarce due to the deepening climate emergency, with record-breaking temperatures and a historic winter heatwave taking a visible toll on the region’s rivers and ski slopes. Reservoirs in Mediterranean countries like Italy have fallen to water levels typically associated with summer heatwaves in recent weeks, threatening agricultural production, while protests have broken out over water shortages in France and Spain. Satellite data analyzed by researchers from Austria’s University of Graz earlier this year found that drought was impacting Europe on a much larger scale than was previously expected. The European Drought Observatory warned in a special snapshot report that conditions in late winter were similar to those seen last year, when high temperatures and a lack of precipitation resulted in a widespread and protracted drought that affected much of the continent.