Europe is currently struggling with extreme drought up to the far north, which is being promoted by the climate crisis. In many places, states of emergency have already been reached, for example parts of France, Portugal, Spain and Italy are experiencing the worst drought in decades. Agriculture and forests have been hit hard, and European shipping is struggling with low water. The consequences for people, nature, society and the economy are far-reaching – there is still no sign of improvement.
11.08.2022 06.15
Online since today, 6.15 a.m
Climatologist Andrea Toreti of the European Commission’s Scientific Service (JRC) even warned on Tuesday that the current drought might become the worst in 500 years. Because the drought is still ongoing, a comprehensive analysis is still pending – but there are currently numerous indicators that this year’s drought might be worse than the historic one in 2018.
The science service is concerned that there will also be a high risk of dry conditions in Western and Central Europe and Great Britain in the next three months. In the worst case, the drought might cover 47 percent of the continent, the climatologist said in a press conference.
The Po Valley in Italy is among the worst affected areas. In some places, the river level is the lowest it has been in 70 years. Sometimes the water level dropped so much that seawater penetrated the riverbed for kilometers.
France – pictured is the Doubs River at Les Brenets – is experiencing the worst drought on record in the country, according to the government. Rapid improvement is not in sight, France is currently going through the fourth heat wave with temperatures well over 30 degrees. A dedicated crisis management team was set up.
It’s also dry where you don’t expect it – for example in Great Britain, seen here London. The country recorded the highest temperature ever recorded on July 19 with 40.2 degrees and is now in a heat wave once more. The authorities are warning of the extreme heat, and in some places garden irrigation has been banned due to low water levels.
The current situation has bitter consequences for many ecosystems. In the Breton swamp in northwestern France, for example, biodiversity has been decimated by heat and drought.
The level of the Loire is currently so low in places that the French river can be crossed on foot. Some sections have been closed to shipping, the authorities have activated an alert level in view of the lack of water and are calling for water conservation.
The low water level of the German Rhine, the country’s most important water transport route, is also making headlines at the moment. The level is slowing down inland shipping, which in turn increases fears of logistics and supply problems. Economists have already warned that low water levels in the Rhine might push Germany closer to recession.
Brown areas instead of green areas: In the east of Austria – here Vienna – the consequences of drought and heat have also been visible for weeks.
The recent heat wave, with peak temperatures of up to 39 degrees, has exacerbated local drought difficulties. Overall, however, the problem in Austria varies greatly from region to region.
The bodies of water (the Danube Canal in the picture) are currently at low water levels, especially in the east and in Vorarlberg. Burgenland is known to be struggling with particular difficulties at the moment.
Lake Neusiedl reached its lowest water level since the 1960s, and the situation in Seewinkel is also precarious. In Burgenland, the debate regarding an artificial water supply and irrigation for agriculture has long been gaining momentum.
It is unclear how long the current drought will keep Europe under its spell. In climate research, however, it is assumed that climate events with extreme heat and prolonged periods of drought will occur more frequently in the coming years.
