Historic drought in France, dried-up forests in Germany, savanna-like images instead of lush greenery in Britain, rivers drying up across the continent – the climate catastrophe is currently hitting Europe in full force. However, there is still no sign of improvement in the current situation with the next heat wave just around the corner. Photos document the fatal consequences.
Europe is drying up is the tragic conclusion when you consider the diverse landscapes of the continent. Italy, the south of France and large parts of Spain and Portugal are currently particularly hard hit.
But the problem is not just limited to these countries, all other regions in Europe also have to deal with long periods of no rainfall and low water levels, explains Andrea Toreti, researcher at the Science Service of the European Commission. Together with colleagues, he recently published an up-to-date report on the effects of the drought.
Record drought in Germany
“Our analysis points to extremely low river levels almost everywhere in Europe. For example, that of the Rhine, which leads to major problems in the Netherlands, for example,” Toreti is shocked. Such long periods of drought are apparently becoming the “new normal” in Europe.
In Germany it will probably be the driest summer since the measurements started in 1881. While it rained 131 liters per square meter in 2018, only 103 liters of precipitation have fallen so far – and not a significant downpour is in sight. The first communities are already pumping water from closed indoor swimming pools to at least supply the trees.
Brown instead of green in England
In Britain, which is not exactly known for hot summers, a four-day warning was issued on Thursday evening for temperatures above 35 degrees. Watering the garden with tap water is illegal throughout England and Wales, as some cisterns have low water levels.
Fourth heat wave in France
The situation is especially dramatic in the south of the continent. France is already steering through the fourth heat wave of this year. With rising temperatures and a lack of rain, the government expects a record drought. According to the weather service Meteo France, the heat wave is expected to spread across the country and last until the weekend.
Huge impact on agriculture
The enormous effects on agriculture can be seen, for example, in Italy. With the Po, the country’s longest river has dried up in many places – the residual water flow rate was more than 30 percent below the previous negative record. If the drought forecast continues through September, the impact on agriculture, water supply and hydropower generation would be even greater.
Low water levels in domestic waters
But the drought has also left its mark in Austria. Even the occasional rainfall of the past few weeks has not improved the situation much. The Neusiedlersee threatens to dry up further, the water is low – especially in the east and in Vorarlberg. The problems are already similar to those in Italy.
Dry soil hardly absorbs water
If the long-awaited rain ever comes, it will probably take even longer before nature can recover from the effects of the months-long heat.
As an experiment by meteorologist Robert Thompson of the University of Reading impressively demonstrates, dry soil can hardly absorb water. Especially large amounts of rain would simply run off.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
