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Climate

Why nuclear power won’t magically fix Europe’s energy crisis

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EU.XL

What is the EU doing to tackle its growing water scarcity?

This summer's record heat has left 38 percent of Europe's land in drought. Overuse, mismanagement, and pollution have harmed lakes and rivers and worsened Europe’s water stress, prompting the EU to treat water scarcity as a major emergency.

EU.XL

Why is the European Union short on water? Take our poll

With three weeks left in August, Europe still struggles with water restrictions as intense heat strains its fragile water reserves. Beyond dried-up water reservoirs and drought alerts, decades of leaks, overuse and pollution have left the bloc short on water.

Ecotech

Inside the ‘magic’ tech that harvests water from dry air

Europe’s tourist islands are facing severe water stress. Is tech that harvests water from dry air a solution?

Water

Heat-driven droughts are making life for Europeans more costly

“This isn’t just a crisis for farmers, it’s a crisis that trickles down to Europe’s most vulnerable,” says researcher Merel Laauwen.

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Water

Is France heading for a severe summer drought?

Record heat and climate change are creating more frequent and severe droughts.

Smart Regions

The Alps are drying out: EU-funded project assesses the future of Europe's "water tower"

In partnership with the European Commission

Will the Alps remain Europe's inexhaustible water tower? The Waterwise project is collecting an unprecedented amount of data from across the Alpine peaks to better understand the vulnerability of headwater catchments — the high-altitude streams that feed the continent's major rivers.

Europe in Motion

Heatwave: Which European countries are running out of water?

As Europe endures another brutal summer, Europe in Motion unpacks water stress levels across the continent.

Earth News

Energy use of AI and data centres rivals most countries: UN report

"That extra ‘please’ you put there can make a huge difference,” says one of the report's authors.

Water

How soil health could be Europe’s best drought defence

Regenerative farming could save enough wheat during drought to produce 130 million baguettes, according to a new French study.

Earth News

Three Lake Constances: Europe's biggest underground drinking water

For some 300 kilometres, groundwater flows underground between France, Germany and Switzerland. It is Europe’s largest groundwater reserve, yet a new study reveals it is heavily polluted.

Earth News

The Caspian Sea is shrinking, and ecosystems are paying the price

Scientists warn that climate change and habitat degradation are accelerating water loss in the Caspian Sea.

Europe in Motion

Where in Europe is tap water the most and least safe?

Water purity varies across Europe, with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic having some of the most polluted groundwater on the continent.

Ecotech

‘Miracle tree’ removes 98% of microplastics from drinking water

Moringa is thought to have been used by Ancient Egyptians to sterilise water.

Earth News

Europe's largest artificial lake landscape is being created in Germany

Eastern Germany's mega complex of artificial lakes created from disused coal mines will reach a new milestone this summer.

Earth News

Mezcal's popularity is booming – but forests are paying the price

Mezcal production in Mexico has gone from about 1 million litres in 2010 to more than 11 million in 2024.

Health news

Iran war's environmental toll threatens long-term health, experts say

Attacks on gas fields, nuclear sites, and desalination plants are leaching toxic pollutants into air, soil, and water, that could impact health for decades, experts say.