Europe's Water Crisis: South Dries Up, North Gets Wetter

New analysis of two decades of satellite data shows large swathes of southern and central Europe are experiencing significant drying, with freshwater reserves shrinking. Scientists at University College London utilized satellite gravitational field tracking to monitor water shifts, revealing a stark contrast between the increasingly wet north and the drying south.

The findings correlate strongly with climate breakdown data, prompting scientists to label it a "wake-up call" for politicians to cut emissions. Groundwater reserves, a crucial climate-resilient water source, are also being depleted, mirroring the broader trend and raising concerns about public water supply and agriculture.

This continent-wide drying trend has "far-reaching" implications for food security, farming, and ecosystems. Experts urge immediate action on water management, efficiency, reuse, and nature-based solutions to mitigate the severe consequences of changing rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells.