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Nature and Environment

Drought in Europe

July 26, 2021

In the last four years, large parts of Europe have experienced drought. The consequences for forests and agriculture have been especially drastic. What measures can be taken to counteract drought?

https://p.dw.com/p/3y5Ao
Deutschland Fischzuchtbetriebe leiden unter Wassermangel
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Woitas
BdT | Bild des Tages mit Deutschlandbezug | Dürre
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S. Gollnow

2020 was the warmest year ever recorded in Europe. The fourth heatwave in as many years caused soil to dry out several meters deep in many regions: a phenomenon usually only seen in deserts. Scientists confirm that Europe is experiencing a period of drought that will have serious consequences for agriculture, forests, the climate and our lives in general. 

Deutschland Wald Dürre Frühling
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S. Pförtner


This film shows ways to tackle the drought on both political and social levels. We take a closer look at European forestry and agricultural policy in Brussels. Is the agricultural lobby, with its EU subsidies for large-scale enterprises, exacerbating the problem? Could it even be one of the causes? 

Brüssel | PK zur Erreichung der Klimaziele | Frans Timmermans und Ursula von der Leyen
Image: John Thys/AFP


Now, scientists and NGOs are calling for agricultural policy that focuses on sustainability. The film looks at EU-wide projects aimed at mitigating the drought, from green genetic engineering, to a "European Green Deal," and delves into the importance of sustainable field and forest management.


Broadcasting Hours: 

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WED 29.09.2021 – 01:15 UTC
WED 29.09.2021 – 04:15 UTC
THU 30.09.2021 – 09:15 UTC
SAT 02.10.2021 – 02:15 UTC
SUN 03.10.2021 – 08:15 UTC

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THU 30.09.2021 – 09:15 UTC
SUN 03.10.2021 – 08:15 UTC 

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