Unprecedented Drought Hits Europe, Threatening Aquatic Life and Farm Economies

Strategic Insights -

An ongoing drought afflicting nearly half of the European continent has caused significant damage to farm economies, forced water restrictions, and threatened aquatic species. The dry period, which has lasted for almost two months in western, central, and southern Europe, is expected to continue, potentially becoming the worst drought in 500 years. Climate change is exacerbating conditions, with hotter temperatures speeding up evaporation and thirsty plants taking in more moisture, while reduced snowfall in the winter limits supplies of fresh water available for irrigation in the summer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The drought has affected nearly half of the European continent, with significant damage to farm economies and aquatic life.
  • Climate change is exacerbating the drought, with hotter temperatures speeding up evaporation and thirsty plants taking in more moisture.
  • The drought has caused water restrictions and threatened aquatic species, with some fish populations dying due to the lack of water.
  • The European Commission's Joint Research Centre warned that drought conditions will worsen and potentially affect 47% of the continent.
  • A drought in 2018 was so extreme that there were no similar events for the last 500 years, but this year's drought is expected to be even worse.
  • The drought has caused some European countries to impose restrictions on water usage, with shipping endangered on the Rhine and the Danube.
  • The drought has affected not only Europe but also East Africa, the western United States, and northern Mexico.
  • European farmers are using water from the tap for their livestock, using up to 100 litres a day per cow, in areas where ponds and streams have gone dry.
  • Normally green regions, such as Burgundy, are experiencing drought conditions, with the grass turning yellow-brown and tractors churning up giant clouds of dust.
  • The drought has caused an unprecedented number of grass fires in southern England, with People in several areas banned from watering their lawns.
  • Even in areas like Spain and Portugal, which are used to long periods without rain, the drought has had significant consequences.

Statistics:

  • 47% of the European continent is potentially affected by drought conditions, according to the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. (Source: European Commission's Joint Research Centre)
  • 10% of southern England's average rainfall was received in July, with the drought affecting fire departments and banning water usage. (Source: Drought-stricken southern England)
  • Avocado farmers in Spain's Andalucia region have had to sacrifice hundreds of trees to save others from wilting. (Source: Spanish region of Andalucia)
  • Up to 100 litres a day per cow are being used by European farmers to water their livestock in areas where ponds and streams have gone dry. (Source: European farmers)
  • The Vinuela reservoir in Malaga province, Spain, dropped to 13% of capacity, down 55% from a year ago. (Source: Spanish region of Andalucia)

Sources:

  • European Commission's Joint Research Centre
  • European Drought Observatory
  • Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
  • German Federal Institute of Hydrology
  • Rivers Trust charity
  • The Independent Newspaper
  • Spanish region of Andalucia