2023-06-15 20:09:43
In its conclusions, the report highlighted the worrying consequences of the severe drought in the western Mediterranean, including widespread water scarcity in the region. The soils have suffered a significant decrease in their humidity, while the flows of the rivers have dropped alarmingly. As a result, the growth of plants and crops during their crucial season has been severely compromised.
The report also pointed out that this trend is confirmed on several levels, given that many parts of the Western Mediterranean countries have been experiencing a steady decrease in rainfall for more than a year. This situation, combined with exceptionally dry and warm winters and springs, has exacerbated the already severe drought in the region. Experts predict that temperatures will continue to climb through the summer, further aggravating the situation.
It highlighted a major concern: between May 2022 and April 2023, temperatures in northern Morocco, Algeria, southern Spain, southern France and northern Italy exceeded more than 2.5 degrees Celsius, sometimes even 4 degrees Celsius, the usual average.
And to specify that the climatic conditions at the end of spring 2023 were more severe than the previous year. A severe drought has also hit Europe, significantly affecting water resources, agriculture and energy production.
The same source explains that the current situation has led to a general decrease in the flow of rivers due to the lack of rainfall. Spain is particularly affected by a shortage of water, especially in the Andalusian region where reservoirs are only filled to around 25% of their capacity.
According to the Central Drought Index, most of the western Mediterranean basin is currently classified as alert, one of the most severe levels.
The report reveals an even more pronounced deterioration in agricultural crop levels in the Maghreb region, which are well below usual average levels. A similar situation is also observed in the Iberian Peninsula, where the areas cultivated with summer crops have decreased considerably. In addition, cereal and animal production suffered a significant drop, which had a particularly strong impact in Portugal. These agricultural sectors have been among the hardest hit by the effects of the drought, compromising food security and the economy of these regions.
The report’s findings warn of the potential severity of the situation if current drought conditions, characterized by high temperatures and lack of rainfall, continue into the future.
The Centre’s scientists have warned of the high risk of a critical water resources situation next summer. This warning highlights the critical importance of carefully monitoring the situation, planning and implementing water management measures, and effectively adapting to drought in the region. They urge collaboration between governments, local communities and stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of water resources and mitigate the impacts of drought on people and ecosystems in the region.
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