Heatwaves Drive Continent-Wide European Drought, Hitting Shipping and Hydropower
Climate-change-driven heatwaves across Europe have caused a continent-wide drought, according to Semafor Net Zero.
Water levels have fallen in major European river systems, including the Rhine and Danube, Semafor Net Zero reported. Those low levels have hit cargo shipping, agricultural harvests, and hydropower.
Low rainfall has affected some regions, but scientists cited by Semafor Net Zero said heat is the real driver, because high temperatures accelerate water loss. The heatwaves themselves have caused the drought.
Some countries have banned non-essential water use such as residential gardening, according to Semafor Net Zero.
Researchers said climate change had made droughts more likely and more severe.
Source: semafor.com (opens in a new tab)1 sourcePermalink