This year, the drought in southern Europe may turn out to be particularly severe. European Union officials warn of an increased number of fires, the service says. “Since 2017, we have been observing particularly intense forest fires in Europe. The year 2022 may be part of this trend,” reads the position presented by the deputy head of the European Commission, Marosz Szefczovicz.
Is there a drought that Europe has not seen? Satellite data confirms
The EC authorities base their opinion on the data from the Copernicus program. Climate change researchers fear that this year’s drought in Europe could be one of the worst ever. The negative forecast is confirmed by satellite data. 2021 was the most dramatic year for the Mediterranean region. A total of 86 people died in the fires.
The risk of fires in the south is so real that the EU authorities have decided to purchase additional equipment. In addition to 12 firefighting planes, 204 firefighters will be deployed in the south. Specialized vehicles from Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Norway, Romania and Greece will be directed to the firefighting actions.
EU authorities: Better water management needed
Bossczovicz said that due to the drought it would be necessary to better manage water management. He also announced the introduction of drought-resistant crops. – In agriculture, we must put more emphasis on a sustainable economy. We need to invest and restore degraded areas, he said.
The EU wants to achieve its goal by increasing the biodiversity of ecosystems. – Disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness are the most important things – said the representative of the European Commission.
Source: Gazeta
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