Europe has a water crisis and it's much worse than you may believe

Summer 2022 shined a light on the water catastrophe that Europe is heading towards.

Europeans will likely remember the summer of 2022. Not only were we unprepared for the record-high temperatures, but there was also a severe water shortage in Central Europe. However, generally after a drought, groundwater levels will rise again - but they have remained low this time. This historic drought was only one part of a broader issue. 

A new study has found even more alarming trends that suggest that Europe's water crisis is a lot worse than what we may have been told to believe. 

What does the study say?

The study was published in Geophysical Research Letters. The study used satellite gravimetry and observed groundwater resources, looking at all the changes in recent years. As mentioned, there was a startling lack of increase in groundwater levels - they have just remained constantly low. 

To gather the data, in short, the team used twin satellites to track changes in groundwater, subtracting aspects like rivers, lakes, snow, and ice. 

Essentially, the conclusion lands that Europe has a water problem. The researchers make it evident that the water crisis goes beyond what anybody could have ever imagined. 

Torsten Mayer-Gürr, one of the data analysers in the study, stated: "A few years ago, I would never have imagined that water would be a problem here in Europe, especially in Germany or Austria. 

Of course, it has to be said that gravity maps cannot show the exact amount of groundwater on earth, but it does show clear evidence that the water situation in Europe is becoming increasingly worrying. 

The overall water loss in Europe sits at around 84 Gita tons in a year. It's shocking in climate change that the issue comes in both forms - too much water in some places and too little in others. Water has become symbolic of global warming. 

How can we solve this? 

There have been many suggestions on how we can prevent such extreme droughts. Of course, aiding a warming planet is the most effective way to cure all problems caused by global warming. Solving the root of the problem rather than treating the symptoms is important. 

Others have suggested the desalination of seawater, but this is only available in richer nations, uses a lot of energy and has negative environmental impacts. It's not sustainable and should be avoided. 

Why is this a problem?

Essentially, Europe isn't recovering after droughts like it should or has in the past. The lack of groundwater is causing severe issues for nature, animals, and humans. For instance, aquatic life is losing its habitat, while dry soil is also causing issues for land animals and vegetation. 

Perhaps now with this glaring evidence, leaders in Europe and beyond may take this growing issue a bit more seriously. 

How are we trying to make a change?

At Together For Climate, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to achieve climate justice. 

There are proven technologies that look into ways to restore coastal ecosystems at a faster rate than normal. 

You can support land, coastal, and ocean sinks here.