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Climate

‘A catastrophe’: Farmers and hotels are battling for water in Spain

As Catalonia's water restrictions hit farmers the hardest, the tourism industry’s efforts to save itself could cause friction.

Climate

World Water Day: Water is a human right so why are so many struggling?

From dried-up rivers to poisoned water, people around the world are struggling to meet a basic need.

Climate Now

Can Catalonia learn to live with drought?

In partnership with Copernicus

How is the Spanish region of Catalonia adapting to drought? The main reservoir that feeds Barcelona is almost empty and the water regeneration and desalination plants are at full capacity. Meanwhile private companies are making their own efforts to economise and recycle water. Is it enough?

Climate

Bad news for smokers: El Niño is coming for tobacco

Farmers are predicted to lose 20% of their income leaving many to rely on food aid.

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Green News

European leaders ‘outpaced’ by increasing risk from climate change

The situation is already critical as climate change leads to increasingly frequent and severe flooding, drought and rising sea levels. Without urgent action by governments and EU leaders the impact is likely to become 'catastrophic' over the coming years, the European Environment Agency warns.

Climate

Nine months of record-breaking heat continued into February

Globally, December, January and February came in at 0.78C above average. But the last three months are part of a much bigger climate change picture.

Climate

El Niño likely to keep driving up temperatures until May, WMO says

This year’s El Niño is fifth strongest on record.

Green News

Severe drought in Tunisia has led to more expensive drinking water

Tourist facilities and excessive consumers will be hit hardest by price increases.

Green News

Zambia declares national emergency amid ‘devastating’ drought

Fresh from a deadly cholera outbreak, 84 of the country’s 116 districts are affected by the prolonged drought.

Green News

Sicily declares state of emergency due to drought

Severe lack of rain and poor maintenance of irrigation facilities have led to water rationing affecting more than 800,000 citizens.

Green News

Barcelona sends out letters to residents who are breaking water rules

The letters will warn people they could face fines if they are found filling private swimming pools, watering gardens and washing cars.

Green News

Tenerife declares drought emergency after extremely dry winter

Some areas have introduced water restrictions including a ban on filling swimming pools and using drinking water for irrigation.

Green News

Heating and cars: Milan introduces emergency pollution-busting rules

Dry weather and warm temperatures have worsened the Italian city’s smog problem.

Green News

Barcelona looks for 'exceptional solutions' to recurring drought

Critics say unusual solutions doen't solve long-term water management problems.

Climate

Where in Europe is facing historic drought this winter?

High temperatures and low rainfall have left parts of the Mediterranean in a critical condition.

Green News

Outrage as Commission accused of shelving water resilience plan

The European Commission has taken a water resilience intiative, an EU response to increasingly frequent episodes of drought and flooding, off its agenda for the coming months, sparking fears that it has once again caved in to an anti-green backlash ahead of EU elections.

Climate

Spanish citizens feel ‘abandoned’ after 10 months without clean water

Andalucía residents are afraid to wash their children with the tap water, and say even dogs refuse to drink it.

Green News

Scientists issue Amazon warning as up to 47% of rainforest at risk

The vital ecosystem could also flip between rainforest and Savanna-like vegetation if drought deepens, the research finds.

Green News

Drought-stricken villages in Spain are bringing in water in tankers

Thousands living in small communities that depend on wells which are now running dry are experiencing difficulties getting water fit for consumption.

Green News

Commission mulls response to threat of water shortages and flooding

The EU executive is preparing to launch a 'water resilience' initiative, with a drought emergency in north-eastern Spain providing a glimpse into one possible future for a Europe increasingly exposed to the adverse effects of climate change.