A recent analysis using 20 years of satellite data reveals that water resources in Europe are depleting, especially in southern and central regions like Spain, Italy, and parts of Poland and the UK. Conducted by scientists from University College London (UCL) and Watershed Institutions, the study analyzed gravitational field changes to measure freshwater reserves.
The findings show a clear geographic imbalance: northern and northwestern Europe are becoming wetter, while significant areas in southern and southeastern Europe are drying out. Climate change is a contributing factor, linked to trends in total terrestrial water storage and climate datasets. Experts warn that we might exceed a 2°C temperature rise, stressing the urgent need for emission reductions.
In the UK, rainfall patterns are shifting, with the west becoming wetter and the east drier, particularly impacting summer water availability. Although total water withdrawals in the EU decreased from 2000 to 2022, groundwater use has increased, highlighting its critical role in public supply and agriculture. The European Commission is pushing for improved water management strategies to combat climate change.
Experts like Hannah Cloke emphasize the growing risk of drought in the UK, urging immediate action beyond long-term reservoir projects to manage water usage and enhance resilience. With climate impacts now affecting Europe, the need for adaptive water management strategies, including rainwater harvesting, is increasingly urgent. Globally, similar drying trends are observed in various regions, emphasizing a broader crisis in water resource management.
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