What really helps Europe deal with drought

Europe confronts drought challenges as global temperatures surge due to increased fossil fuel combustion. Southern and Western European nations bear the brunt of the crisis, but Central, Western, and even Northern European countries are increasingly at risk. Satellite data reveals that regions as far north as Denmark and Sweden have experienced extreme dryness, typically seen in areas like the Sahel region in sub-Saharan Africa.

The ramifications are evident, with some of the continent's most extensive rivers, such as the Rhine and Danube, reaching historical lows, which disrupts inland shipping and leads to below-average harvests. European authorities from the UK to Switzerland and Germany have implemented water usage restrictions. The situation is exacerbated by the impending 2027 El Nino event, which is projected to be among the strongest on record, potentially rendering Europe even hotter and drier.

To address this issue, an analysis by DW explored water usage across European nations and explored measures that yield the greatest impact. Households consume a modest share of water, with daily per capita usage ranging from 50 to 300 liters, accounting for less than 20% of total usage. Agriculture and electricity cooling constitute two-thirds of water withdrawals in the EU, particularly in drought-prone countries like Greece, Turkey, and Spain.

There is no single solution to tackle this challenge; instead, a combined approach is necessary. A European Environmental Agency report suggests that EU countries could save between 10 and 40% of water annually through targeted strategies. Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, significantly reduces water consumption, as nuclear and fossil fuel power plants require vast amounts of water for cooling.

Over the past two decades, Europe has reduced its water usage by nearly a quarter, primarily due to more efficient electrical cooling. Further savings of 45 to 95% could be achieved by expanding renewables and enhancing cooling systems.

In Southern Europe, where agriculture accounts for a significant portion of water usage, recommendations include replacing open water transport channels with closed pipes to minimize evaporation, transitioning from surface irrigation to sprinkler or drip irrigation, and opting for less water-intensive crops. Leakage in public water supply systems, estimated to be over 40% in countries like Romania and Italy, can also be mitigated, representing the majority of potential savings in the public water supply.

Individual behavior also plays a role in conserving water. While responsible consumer decisions and reducing water footprint in purchased products can contribute, they are not likely to result in substantial reductions in daily household water usage. European nations can learn from and collaborate with regions experiencing even more severe water scarcity due to climate change, such as North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.