Climate change drives droughts in Sardinia and Sicily: comment

By Amber Sawyer

Last updated: 04 Sept. 2024

Commenting on new analysis from World Weather Attribution showing that climate change increased the likelihood of crippling droughts in Sardinia and Sicily by 50% [1] Amber Sawyer, analyst at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:

“Sadly, these are the latest in a string of climate impacts we’re seeing in Europe, which has been experiencing a deadly summer heatwave that scientists have said would be impossible without human-induced climate change [2].

"Extreme heat and water shortages devastate human health and the local economy, with farmers suffering huge losses of key crops like wheat and olives. But Italy isn’t the only country affected: climate impacts are ramping up everywhere and threatening our food security, with analysis showing that farmers are fighting to grow crops both at home and overseas [3].

"This is all happening at our current 1.2°C of warming [4], but we’re on track for 3°C [5]. Getting to net zero emissions, to stop climate impacts getting worse, and providing support to farmers in the UK and abroad is vital to secure our food supplies for the future.”