Noticias breves
EUROPE ’ S WORST DROUGHT IN 500 YEARS
The European Commission Joint Research Centre ( EC-JRC ) has warned that the current drought affecting large parts of Europe could be the worst in 500 years .
Following an abnormally dry winter and spring , record temperatures and multiple heatwaves , some of Europe ’ s largest rivers such as the Danube , the Rhine and the Po have been so badly affected that some areas have been reduced to a mere trickle . Reservoirs in the UK , Portugal and Spain are also running dry . Scientists believe climate change has fuelled this year ’ s extreme heat and drought .
The very low water levels and rising temperatures have impacted everything from freight transportation , power production , water supplies , wildlife , irrigation and farming .
The EC-JRC has also warned that the severe drought will likely worsen , potentially reaching 47 % of the continent .
In France , the usually lush and green wine-producing region of Bordeaux is dry and arid and suffering terrible wildfires . Energy production across the country has also been affected , with Nuclear Power Plants forced to reduce output due to high temperatures in the Garonne , the Rhône and Loire rivers .
Low water levels in the Rhine in Germany have forced a significant reduction in freight , leading to a fivefold increase in shipping costs . The Rhine serves as a major thoroughfare for the movement of goods and raw materials from the North Sea into Europe . If water levels continue to drop and barge transportation is further reduced or even temporarily halted , Germany and Europe will take a big economic hit .
Due to more than nine months of no rainfall , water levels in Italy ’ s longest river , the Po , are 2 metres below normal levels , and flow has also fallen to one-tenth its usual rate . Rice growers may lose up to 60 % of their crops due to lack of water .
Across other parts of Europe , Britain has declared a drought in the south and imposed hose pipe bans in several regions . Water restrictions are due to be announced in London , potentially affecting up to 15 million people . Authorities in Serbia , Romania and
10 OTWO 38 / SEPTEMBER 2022