Drought alarm: Saxony-Anhalt is fighting for water and harvest!

Drought alarm: Saxony-Anhalt is fighting for water and harvest!

The consequences of the ongoing drought in Germany are clearly noticeable. Farmers and winegrowers are complaining about a serious lack of rain that is extending over an unusually long period of time. But drought is not just a local problem, but a challenge that extends across continents. In southern Europe these days, maximum temperatures of up to 46 degrees in Italy and 45 degrees in Spain were recorded, while in North America even over 40 degrees Celsius were reported. The weather in Germany is also increasingly deviating from the norm. For example, summer 2022 is considered the sunniest and warmest year since records began, with over 17 days on which temperatures exceeded 30 degrees, reports BPB.

A topic that is currently being hotly debated is climate protection. The question arises as to who is responsible. Because the richest percent of the world's population produces more greenhouse gases than two thirds of all humanity. Often mentioned in discussions about climate policy, luxury goods such as yachts also need to be critically examined in the context of the climate debate, as can be read in a report by MDR.

Water shortages and the risk of forest fires

The water shortage has serious, dramatic consequences. In the spring of 2023, Europe experienced a particularly dry phase, which not only affected daily life in the affected regions, but also placed a heavy burden on the agricultural economy. Farmers and the transport industry are concerned about the impact of the drought, which is also affecting key trade routes such as the Rhine. In recent years there have been devastating drought events that have led to emergencies in several municipalities in Germany, primarily due to a lack of drinking water. The DW also reports on the associated challenges and calls it a “meteorological drought” that lasts at least one to two months.

The effects are also noticeable in the forests, where 2,397 forest fires were registered in Germany alone in 2022. Saxony and Brandenburg were particularly affected. Such a drought significantly increases the risk of wildfires.

Water management and outlook

To counter the impending threat, a national water strategy was adopted in March 2023 that aims to improve water management in Germany. Experts strongly recommend tackling climate change and using water more efficiently. Singapore is considered a role model in rainwater management and could serve as a model for using water more intelligently in Germany.

The forecasts are not very encouraging: According to climate researchers, the average surface temperature could rise by up to 5.7 degrees by the end of the 21st century. These dangers affect not only Europe, but also the regions of the world that contribute least to climate change and will suffer the most from the consequences. Climate change is a global challenge that requires urgent action.

From better irrigation of the floes to greater sensitivity to nature and consumption patterns - there is a lot to be done. Because ultimately we all have a part to play in preserving the earth for future generations.