Scientists have warned that Europe is on the verge of a catastrophe as groundwater reserves dry up, leading to water shortages in some countries.
After the summer months of 2018 and 2019 when there was a severe water shortage in Central Europe, there has been no significant rise in groundwater levels, which have remained constantly low.
A new study has shown how the attendant severe drought affects and damages natural habitats and agriculture and also limit the creation of major energy needed.
The effects of the prolonged drought could be seen in Europe during the summer of 2022 when dry riverbeds and the slow disappearance of stagnant waters severely impacted both nature and people and numerous aquatic species lost their habitats, while dry soil caused many problems for agriculture.
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The energy shortage in Europe also worsened due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
In gathering their data, the team of scientists used satellite gravimetry to observe the world’s groundwater resources and document changes seen over several years.
Other partners in the EU G3P project had to help out to work out separate masses for each body of water, as these gravity maps cannot show the exact amount of groundwater on the planet, as the satellites do not distinguish between sea, lakes or groundwater.
This cooperation shows that the water situation in Europe has now become very precarious.
Dr Mayer-Gürr said: “A few years ago, I would never have imagined that water would be a problem here in Europe, especially in Germany or Austria.”
Story was adapted from the Independent.
