Spain is currently grappling with two interconnected environmental challenges – a severe drought and its warmest winter on record. The combination of reduced rainfall and abnormally high temperatures has led to significant water shortages in Spain. From decreased river flows and shrinking reservoirs to parched farmlands and water restrictions, the consequences of the drought are felt across the country, but especially in the region of Catalonia.
The drought in Catalonia is causing a serious water shortage leading to the government declaring a state of emergency and imposing strict restrictions on water use. The restrictions, which include the ban on watering lawns, filling private pools, washing cars, is affecting around six million people in the region including its largest city, Barcelona. Billboards in Barcelona with a slogan saying “Water doesn’t fall from the sky” have been put up to encourage people to save water.
Spain is fast becoming Europe’s poster child of what the future might look like with continuous global warming but the impact of climate change is not limited to Spain alone; they reflect the broader consequences of climate change in the continent. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has already issued a warning that Europe is warming twice as fast as other continents. This is a fact that is already being felt right here, right now.
Renee Karunungan 