European drought hits continent’s water supplies: comment

“The heatwaves this summer have been a shocking reminder that climate change is a problem for now, not for the future. And it is hitting the very foundations of our way of life, none more fundamental than access to secure, safe supplies of water for drinking and growing food.  

“For farmers, this means having to contend with some of the most severe soil moisture deficits on record, despite a wet winter across much of Western Europe. This loss of moisture and extreme heat is forecast to wipe nine million tonnes from Europe’s grain harvest [2], hitting farm incomes and food security. If we needed a reminder why getting to net zero emissions is so important to bring our climate back into balance, this summer has given us one.”