Danger of forest fires increases: Drought threatens agriculture in Saxony-Anhalt

Danger of forest fires increases: Drought threatens agriculture in Saxony-Anhalt

The drought has had a firm grip on agriculture and everyday life in Europe in recent months. In Cologne and the surrounding area, farmers and winegrowers are alarmed about the serious lack of rain that has been going on for an unusually long time. This situation is leading to an intense conversation about responsibility regarding climate change, particularly the influence of the richest percent of the population, which produces a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. This is evident, for example, in the discussion about luxury yachts, which are not only a sign of wealth but also play a role in the climate debate. The German Weather Service also observes that the last few months with little precipitation for many regions, especially in April and May, are the cause of the ongoing drought, as MDR reports.

What are the consequences of the drought? The definition of a drought condition is in the context of water scarcity. Drought is a long-term lack of water that affects people, animals and plants. In Europe, this situation is currently being exacerbated by man-made climate change, which is causing rising temperatures and leading to a disproportionate increase in evaporation losses. Experts from the Federal Environment Agency emphasize that drought can be measured not only meteorologically, but also hydrologically, agriculturally and socio-economically. A striking example is the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which measures the amount of precipitation and thus indicates periods of drought. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines drought as a long-term lack of precipitation, which can be represented fairly well by measuring precipitation, soil moisture and other indices.

The challenges for agriculture

The current drought situation not only has local effects, but is a global phenomenon. Farmers report dwindling yields and the threat of crop failures. For example, the lawn, which is irrigated on 3,500 square meters, requires solar power for the necessary care. This shows the importance of sustainable irrigation practices, while agricultural drought can cause soils to dry out and become less fertile. The transport industry is also affected, as a lack of water in rivers such as the Rhine severely restricts shipping traffic, which affects the entire supply chain.

The studies show that extreme droughts have increased over the past 40 years. Globally, the area in drought has increased by around 50,000 square kilometers annually, which not only puts a strain on agriculture but also endangers water resources in cities. In fact, 2.3 billion people already live in water-stressed countries, where water supplies often have to be rationed. In other countries, such as Cyprus or Spain, these are no longer isolated cases; Empty reservoirs and endangered crops are a direct result of the drought, which is exacerbated by inadequate water management, as DW reports.

Adjustments and solutions

In order to meet these challenges, adaptation measures are becoming increasingly important. This includes developing regional forecasts and effective drought management plans. In agriculture, better irrigation techniques and soil moisture conservation can bring about significant changes. Even if climate change cannot be stopped, there are many approaches that can help mitigate the negative consequences of drought. Nature-based solutions, such as the sustainable use of ecosystems or reforestation projects, also offer promising approaches. However, these solutions must be integrated into comprehensive strategic plans to be sustainable and successful.

The ongoing drought has shown us that we need to take action. The dialogue on the topic of climate protection and the associated social responsibilities will be important not only in agricultural circles, but also in the general public. Because it is clear that we all need to be part of the solution to combat drought and preserve our water resources.