Drought and climate change: Impact on European agriculture and solutions

The harsh reality of drought in Europe

The Mediterranean region and parts of Europe are facing an unprecedented water crisis, exacerbated by climate change. Drought, combined with extreme heatwaves, is having a devastating impact on agriculture, the economy and the daily lives of millions of people. From sunflower fields in Romania to depleted reservoirs in Sicily, the outlook is bleak and the consequences are deep.

Climate context: Longer droughts and climate change

Climate change has altered traditional weather patterns, causing droughts to last longer than usual. According to the European Drought Observatory (EDO), several regions in southern and eastern Europe, including Italy, Greece and Spain, have experienced two consecutive years of severe drought. These extreme weather events are associated with higher than average temperatures and significantly lower rainfall – a scenario that is becoming more common in the context of global warming.

Forecasts for the coming months are not encouraging. The lack of rainfall is expected to continue, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and parts of eastern Europe, exacerbating the agricultural crisis and threatening food security across the region.

Impact on agriculture: An uncertain future

The impact of the drought on agriculture has been devastating. In Romania, for example, an estimated 65% of the sunflower crop in the Dolj region was destroyed. The extreme drought, combined with heat waves of over 40°C, has led to losses of up to 90% in some maize and sunflower crops. This agricultural disaster not only affects food production, but also threatens the livelihoods of farmers, many of whom depend on their crops for survival.

The situation in Hungary is just as critical. The lack of rain has led to the destruction of tens of thousands of hectares of maize, sunflower and sugar beet crops. Losses in maize fields alone are expected to exceed €600 million this year, with expected yields drastically reduced.

The impact on ecosystems: Beyond agriculture

The effects of drought are not limited to agriculture. Natural ecosystems are also affected. Reduced soil moisture and plant water stress are affecting biodiversity across the Mediterranean. Forests that depend on regular rainfall cycles are under threat, and the risk of forest fires has increased significantly.

The drought is also affecting groundwater resources, which are an important source of drinking water and irrigation in many rural areas. In Sicily, for example, reservoir levels are 45% below last year’s levels, leading to a crisis in water availability for both human consumption and agriculture.

Climate change and its role in droughts

Climate change is a key factor in exacerbating droughts. As global temperatures continue to rise, rainfall patterns are becoming more erratic and less predictable. This phenomenon not only intensifies droughts but also increases their duration, exacerbating their economic, social and environmental impacts.

Studies suggest that droughts in the Mediterranean could become more frequent and intense in the coming decades unless significant action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Heatwaves, which are already occurring more frequently, are also directly linked to climate change, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates the situation.

Economic impact: Beyond the field

The economic impact of drought is huge. Agriculture is an economic mainstay in many regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, and a reduction in crop production has a ripple effect throughout the food supply chain. Food prices can rise, affecting both consumers and producers.

In addition, agricultural losses can reduce rural employment and exacerbate economic inequalities in the most affected areas. In Romania, for example, the government has had to intervene to compensate affected farmers – a measure that, while necessary, also underlines the severity of the crisis.

Mitigation and adaptation: Towards a sustainable future

Although the outlook is challenging, there are strategies to mitigate the effects of drought and adapt to new climate realities. Efficient water management is key. This includes modernising irrigation systems, protecting groundwater resources and implementing water-saving measures.

In addition, the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices can help reduce the vulnerability of crops to drought. This includes using more resilient crop varieties, diversifying income sources and planning for long-term climate variability.

At the community level, it is crucial to strengthen international and regional cooperation to effectively address drought. Affected countries need to share knowledge, resources and technologies to build resilience and reduce the negative impacts of climate change.

Recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change

• Promote sustainable agriculture: Promote agricultural practices that use less water and are more resilient to extreme climate conditions.
• Efficient water management: Implement smart irrigation technologies and promote water conservation in urban and rural areas.
• Reforestation and ecosystem restoration: Increasing forest cover and restoring degraded ecosystems to improve water retention and reduce the risk of forest fires.
• Public education and awareness: Educating the public about the importance of water conservation and sustainable practices, and how they can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Robust government policies: Developing policies that support the transition to a low-carbon economy and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.

Droughts in the Mediterranean and various regions of Europe have a profound impact on the agricultural landscape, the economy and people’s daily lives. As climate change continues, droughts are becoming more frequent and intense, exacerbating the challenges faced by both farmers and governments. Water shortages and extreme heatwaves are causing devastating agricultural losses, threatening food security and increasing economic pressure on rural communities.

But the current crisis also offers a crucial opportunity for reflection and action. Efficient water management, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and international cooperation are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of drought and build resilience to climate change. In addition, public awareness and citizen engagement in sustainable practices will play a critical role in addressing this crisis.

In summary, the situation reminds us of the urgency of tackling climate change through concrete and collective action. Only by working together can we mitigate the devastating effects of drought, protect our natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.