And as the effects of climate change rapidly intensify, record-breaking heatwaves are becoming a regular occurrence not just in Europe but globally.Īccording to a recent UN report, an estimated 55 million people globally are directly affected by droughts every year, making it the most serious hazard to livestock and crops in nearly every part of the world. “We must immediately reduce withdrawals in the various sectors and for the various uses before reaching the point of no return.”Ī new study published last October suggested that human-induced climate change made last year’s drought across the Northern Hemisphere at least 20 times more likely. “2023 has just begun, but it is showing worrying signs in terms of extreme weather events, drought levels,” Legambiente’s executive director Giorgio Zampetti said on Monday. ![]() In a statement, Legambiente also urged the government to develop “a national water strategy that has a circular approach with short-, medium- and long-term interventions that favour adaptation to climate change and the reduction of water withdrawals and waste immediately.” According to the group, water levels on Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, have reached record lows, while River Po, the country’s longest and most important river, currently has 61% less water than normal this time of year. Many of the country’s rivers and lakes – especially in northern regions – are already suffering from a severe water shortage, Legambiente warned on Monday. You might also like: What Europe’s Snow Shortage Tells Us About Global WarmingĪfter the historic heatwave, the current, exceptionally warm and dry winter has raised concerns among scientists and environmental groups about a new, nationwide emergency. As a result, Northern Italy – a climate-vulnerable area – faced months of monumental water shortages that directly impacted crops and hydropower energy generation, with reservoirs storing river water destined to be used in hydroelectric plants dropping below the minimum historical values. Last summer, River Po dried up due to record-breaking high temperatures and a long-lasting absence of precipitation.
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