Barcelona's drought crisis: a preview of Spain's water-scarce future

Barcelona and Catalonia face unprecedented water restrictions and agricultural challenges amid Spain's worst drought, highlighting a climate-stricken future.

María Ramírez reports for The Guardian.

In short:

Barcelona and 200 other towns in Catalonia are under drought emergency, affecting over 6 million people with strict water usage limits.
The crisis is part of a broader pattern across Spain, with severe droughts impacting agriculture, tourism, and daily life.
Farmers face dire choices, such as sacrificing crops to save trees, amidst rising tensions over water scarcity and climate policies.

Why this matters:

This situation in Catalonia exemplifies the urgent need for effective water management and climate adaptation strategies. It's a stark reminder of how climate change is already altering lives, with significant implications for health, agriculture, and the economy. The crisis underscores the importance of sustainable practices and proactive policy-making in the face of environmental challenges.

Extreme weather and temperature swings are estimated to cut major crop production by 23% over the next 30 years, scientists warn.

www.theguardian.com

Barcelona's drought crisis: a preview of Spain's water-scarce future

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