Europe Faces Water Crisis as Climate Change Dries Up Resources

Vast swathes of Europe's water reserves are drying up, according to an analysis conducted by scientists at University College London, in collaboration with Watershed Investigations and The Guardian. The research, which utilized two decades of satellite data, reveals a troubling trend of freshwater storage shrinking across southern and central Europe, notably affecting countries such as Spain, Italy, and parts of the UK.

The data indicates a stark imbalance: while northern regions like Scandinavia and parts of the UK are becoming wetter, southern areas are facing significant drying. Professor Mohammad Shamsudduha from UCL emphasized that this should serve as a wake-up call for politicians who remain skeptical about the need to cut emissions.

He stated, 'We’re no longer talking about limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; we’re likely heading toward 2 degrees above preindustrial levels, and we’re now witnessing the consequences.' The analysis highlighted that groundwater, regarded as a more climate-resilient water source, is also under threat.

Doctoral researcher Arifin isolated groundwater storage data, confirming that much of Europe’s hidden freshwater reserves are being depleted. In the UK, while total rainfall may appear stable, the patterns are changing, with heavier downpours and prolonged dry spells, particularly during the summer months.

This has significant implications for areas like southeast England where groundwater supplies approximately 70% of public water. The European Environment Agency noted that from 2000 to 2022, the amount of water extracted from surface and groundwater decreased overall; however, groundwater abstractions increased by 6%, largely due to public supply and agricultural needs.

Groundwater accounted for 62% of the total public water supply and 33% of agricultural water demands in 2022. The European Commission has introduced a water resilience strategy to help member states adapt to climate change, focusing on improving water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030.

Leakage levels across the EU vary significantly, from 8% to 57%, underscoring the need for modernized infrastructure to reduce losses. Professor Hannah Cloke from the University of Reading expressed concern over the long-term drying trend, stating that if rainfall does not meet expectations in the coming seasons, severe water restrictions could ensue, affecting daily life across England.

The Environment Agency has warned that drought conditions may persist into 2026 without significant rainfall in the autumn and winter. The situation is dire, with Shamsudduha warning that the drying trend in Europe could impact food security and farming, particularly as countries like Spain, which heavily supply produce to the UK, experience dwindling water resources.

The impacts of climate change, once seen predominantly in the global south, are now manifesting in Europe, highlighting the urgent need for improved water management practices. Shamsudduha advocates for innovative solutions, such as widespread rainwater harvesting in regions like the UK, to mitigate these challenges.

Globally, similar drying trends are observed in regions across the Middle East, Asia, and the US, with Iran facing a critical water crisis, nearing a situation where tap water may no longer be available in Tehran, potentially leading to evacuation plans.