Climate Change Doubles Likelihood of Droughts in Sicily and Sardinia
Earlier this year, a state of emergency was declared in Sicily and Sardinia, Italy's two largest islands, due to severe drought conditions exacerbated by human-induced climate change. According to scientists from World Weather Attribution (WWA), these extreme droughts would have been less likely to occur without the impact of global warming.
Drought's Devastating Impact on Agriculture and Tourism
Over the past 12 months, both islands have experienced unusually low rainfall combined with extreme heat, resulting in devastating consequences for agriculture and tourism—two pillars of the local economy. Essential crops like wheat and olives, which are crucial to the Mediterranean diet, have been hit particularly hard.
In Sicily, farmers have faced massive wheat losses, leading to premature livestock slaughter due to insufficient water and food supplies. By late July, estimates indicated that the economic damage caused by the drought had already reached €2.7 billion. Meanwhile, in Sardinia, agricultural production has similarly suffered under relentless temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Water Scarcity Worsens
The situation is becoming increasingly dire as reservoirs on both islands near depletion, even after months of water rationing. Sardinia and Sicily’s capacity to manage the crisis has been stretched, with aging water infrastructure exacerbating the problem. As water levels continue to drop, fears are mounting about the long-term sustainability of the islands' water supply and its impact on agricultural production.
Adaptation and Mitigation Measures Required
The increasing frequency and severity of droughts in the Mediterranean are a clear consequence of global climate change. Experts warn that without mitigation efforts to limit warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, such droughts will become more common.
WWA specialists highlight the need for adaptive measures, such as investing in resilient water infrastructure and improving water conservation. Modernizing aging systems to reduce water loss, increasing storage capacity, and implementing advanced water-saving technologies will be essential to prevent future crises. Italy has already committed to improving these areas alongside other Mediterranean nations during the recent Med9 meeting.
FAQs
1. Why are Sicily and Sardinia experiencing more severe droughts?
Climate change has increased the likelihood of extreme droughts by doubling the frequency of such events in these regions. This is caused by higher temperatures turning years with low rainfall into prolonged droughts.
2. What are the economic impacts of these droughts?
Agriculture and tourism, both critical to the local economies, are severely affected. In Sicily, wheat and olive harvests have plummeted, resulting in economic losses estimated at €2.7 billion.
3. What can be done to mitigate the effects of these droughts?
While mitigating global warming is essential, adaptation measures are equally important. Modernizing water infrastructure, improving water conservation, and increasing storage capacity are key strategies to reduce the impact of future droughts.
