Europe's rivers are drying up. Can they be saved?

Europe is currently experiencing a drought that has left many of its rivers running low. This crisis has been exacerbated by the intense heat wave and wildfires that occurred in June. The Rhine, Danube, and Po rivers have all seen record low levels, which threaten freight transport, the economy, and agriculture. Cargo and cruise ships cannot pass in some areas along the Danube, while in German cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf, people can walk across parts of the Rhine due to weak currents.

The water crisis is being intensified by global warming caused by the burning of coal, oil, and gas. Low water levels are also causing significant damage to ecosystems, with warmer water temperatures and lower oxygen levels leading to potential fish die-offs. Parched fields and exposed riverbeds are the most visible consequences of the drought, but the impact on underwater ecosystems is equally severe.

Experts warn that the situation could worsen, with additional costs for clean drinking water and potential energy shortages. The debate over water use has also intensified, with some industries being exempt from water abstraction fees. Authorities are exploring measures such as restricting withdrawals from streams and rivers, dredging shipping channels, and investing in improved water treatment systems to conserve water.

However, critics argue that these solutions may have long-term negative effects on the environment. A more sustainable approach, they say, involves restoring parts of Europe's heavily modified rivers, protecting wetlands, and expanding the use of low-water vessels.