The rivers of Austria have lost water dramatically. This is demonstrated by the results of a current Greenpeace analysis: in 15 of the 18 floating waters investigated, an average amount of water was measured in the summer months from 2000 to 2022 than in 1977 to 1999.
In Vorarlberg and Burgenland, rivers of up to 41 percent have lost water. “We should not ignore this alarm signal,” said Greenpeace spokesperson Sebastian Theissing-Matei.
Small water masses and lowest water level
The Environment NGO compared more than 78,000 measurements of 18 Austrian rivers in the summer months to September with regard to the average quantities of water and the lowest water levels. Accordingly, not just fewer water flows in Austria in the summer. Even the lowest water levels become smaller on average. The monthly low levels of the water levels have fallen in 14 of the 18 rivers – in the Pinka by almost 60 percent.
In the Burgenland Strem on average 41 percent less water was measured than in the period from 1977 to 1999, and almost a quarter less was found at Pinka. In Vorarlberg in particular the Lech experiences dry times, with an average of 16 percent fewer water masses, as well as the Rhine with twelve percent lower quantity. The Danube, the most water -river in Austria, has lost just as much cool wet as the MUR leads in the analyzed period.
Austrian water cycle of balance
According to Greenpeace, the results in the general development of the water cycles in Austria: many of the most important domestic rivers led less water in the warm summer months than a few decades ago. “The water cycle is the basis of all life. It keeps getting out of balance and threatens mass consequences for ecosystems, agriculture and ultimately for all of us,” said Theissing-Matei. Because of the human crisis made by humans and therefore vital water cycles and ecosystems in an imbalance: on the one hand heavy rain and floods are becoming increasingly common, on the other hand drying and drying phases often occur.
Urgent need for action
“Increasing water temperatures and falling flows in the summer months lead to further negative effects on the living world of rivers. These changes influence the regions of Austria differently, the trend will continue in the coming decades. That is why we must act as a company as a company,” said Thomas Hein of the university of the floor culture (Boku). Greenpeace calls for a transparent water abstinence register, a water strategy, the prices of withdrawals by the industry and an extensive renewal of rivers by the government and the Minister of Environment Norbert Tettschnig (ÖVP).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
