Press Releases

The Mediterranean region, recognised for its unique climate and rich biodiversity, faces significant challenges due to climate change. The network of Mediterranean experts on climate and environmental change and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission reported that recent accelerated climate change has intensified existing environmental problems in the Mediterranean Basin, mainly caused by a combination of changes in land use, increasing pollution and declining biodiversity.

Climate change is dramatically reshaping weather patterns in the Mediterranean. Rising temperatures alter precipitation patterns, while more frequent and severe droughts and extreme weather events have become the new normal. These changes underlay the decline in annual rainfall and intensify competition for water resources in view of reduced availability and increased crop evapotranspiration rates.

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues with profound implications for agriculture, human welfare and economic stability. The European Drought Observatory (EDO) reported that Europe faced its worst drought in at least 500 years. The Joint Research Centre highlights that drought conditions, long-lasting above-average temperatures and a sequence of warm spells have exacerbated the effect of the prolonged lack of precipitation, directly impacting soil moisture and vegetation growth.

Agriculture, as the major consumer of water, using around 70% of abstracted water, is particularly vulnerable to water scarcity. Water stress limits plant growth and productivity, consequently turning farmers toward more drought-resistant varieties and less water-intensive crops, thereby impacting food diversity and local diets. Water scarcity can also exacerbate soil salinisation and erosion, leading to long-term decline in soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Reduced agricultural output translates into the instability of food supply, economic losses for farmers, higher food prices for consumers, and broader economic and social distortion in rural areas. 

Cyprus is a typical example of the challenges and impact of water scarcity in the Mediterranean context. The country faces limited natural water resources, compounded by a semi-arid climate and periodic droughts. Over recent decades, Cyprus has experienced a significant reduction in annual rainfall, affecting both surface and groundwater resources, with consequent implications for human welfare and the economy: (1) Groundwater over-extraction has led to the depletion and increased salinisation of aquifers, especially in coastal regions. (2) Rapid urbanisation, population growth and a booming tourism industry have further increased water demand, straining resources even more. These extreme conditions render the use of non-conventional water resources to meet water imbalances imperative such as advanced water treatment and reuse schemes, and seawater desalination. 

In conclusion, the Mediterranean region faces significant challenges due to climate change-driven water scarcity. Ensuring that water management strategies are inclusive and equitable, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and promoting social cohesion is crucial. Through coordinated political interventions, innovative solutions and regional cooperation, sustainable water management can be achieved, ensuring food security, agricultural productivity and economic stability for future generations. 

Dear colleagues, before I give the floor to Commissioner Wojciechowski, I would like to present to you, through a short video we prepare for this meeting, the situation today in my country as a result of the continuous drought. 

(EFys/NZ/GS)