Climate change is one of the most important problems of our time, and its effects on nature are becoming more serious. Humanity has changed a lot in recent years.
There are many things that happen digitally that previously required direct human contact. Could this have an impact on CO2 emissions? O scommesse italy, for example, keeps people on their toes; many like to give their advice. What are the advantages of placing tips virtually? Does not going to the bookmaker have any impact?
It would be desirable, because Spain could also benefit from this. The country is especially affected by its location in the south. The weather is turning up, the gardens and fields are literally drying up. The fear of water scarcity is palpable and now even councils are being asked to do something about it.
Drought is not over in autumn – Spain with grim forecast
Summer months are getting hotter, which affects entire countries. almost the 50% of the Spanish peninsula is affected by water shortages🇧🇷 In many areas of the country there is an acute shortage of water and no improvement is expected for the autumn. For a long time, it was expected that more water would become available during the summer months as temperatures cooled. In fact, it turns out that water scarcity does not only occur in summer.
Catalonia’s metropolitan area has been experiencing a drop in rainfall for over two years. This has a negative impact on the city’s reservoirs, which are used, among other things, to supply the population with water. The Spanish ministry has already announced that the reservoirs are only one-third full. With fatal consequences! The population fears an acute shortage of water, with massive restrictions.
This is currently avoided, among other things, with a desalination plant located in Barcelona, which serves to transform sea water into drinking water. Every year, this plant, in operation since 2009, can treat around 60 billion liters of water and make it suitable for consumption🇧🇷 However, regulations are essential; more than 500 municipalities in Catalonia have already been affected.
From education to classification: what the Spanish authorities do
Not only in the south of Spain, but also in the areas further north, the authorities have taken measures to control the drought and the impending water shortage. There are clear gradations that can be seen. In some cases, the focus is on education so that the population is more aware of its consumption. Many people waste water without being aware of the problem. It’s the day-to-day carelessness that can cost thousands of liters of water a year.
However, rationing is also the order of the day. In some regions of Spain, for example, it is no longer allowed to fill the swimming pool with fresh water or wash the car with it. Violators face hefty fines; the authorities really recognized the seriousness of the situation.
To avoid a true water emergency, the aforementioned seawater desalination plant will be operated more environmentally in the future. Solar energy will be used to reduce costs, which can have a positive influence, at least indirectly.
New measures in Valencia: the plan against drought has been completely revised
Droughts are not uncommon in Spain; there was already a devastating drought and crop failure in 2008. However, scientists are certain that 2022 was not a “dry” year by chance🇧🇷 Instead, the first consequences of climate change are appearing, which should not improve in the coming years. Due to the extreme drought, Valencia, among others, has launched a new action plan that comes into force in case of drought.
The councilor of Valencia highlighted that the negative consequences of the drought will continue to increase in the future if active measures are not taken against it. He describes the action in Spain as a paradigm shift. Water has become a valuable resource, waste is no longer tolerable in any sector! According to the councilor, an important issue is the reuse of water.
In addition to educational campaigns and the fines that can be applied for unreasonable behavior, measurement values have also been established. This determines, for example, the amount of the fine in each case. If a resident of Spain fails to act responsibly during a drought, the so-called scarcity tax should be introduced.
The inhabitants of Spain are especially afraid that water consumption is limited. In fact, the catalog of measures provides that, in the event of a current drought, a number of liters per inhabitant and household can be fixed. The alderman’s understandable argument is that a limited number of liters is preferable to a total water cut.
Agriculture takes a backseat, houses come first
In the case of water rationing, households have an advantage over agricultural use. However, in general, the consumption of water for non-essential (vital) purposes can be completely prohibited. It includes filling the ornamental fountain, as well as water for swimming pools and children’s pools.
Public institutions, restaurants, hotels, schools and hospitals should also draw up plans to reduce water consumption. As far as possible, this should not lead to operational restrictions. Issues such as recycling, alternative water sources, plant optimization and demand reduction have been identified as key points for the coming months and new droughts.
Many parts of Spain are affected by far-reaching measures
As early as August 2022, Spanish media reported that municipalities in Spain had called for an urgent reduction in water consumption. Among those affected are the Basque Country, Andalusia, Galicia and Catalonia. Galicia, despite being located in the northwest of the country, has been particularly affected by the effects of drought. The municipality has implemented some drastic but sensible measures.
For example, the showers on the beach were completely closed and the operation of car washes was prohibited. Cleaning streets with water and filling or refilling private swimming pools were also prohibited. Broad information campaigns were also launched in municipalities such as Ourense.
In many public places there are notices and signs prohibiting the use of water for unnecessary purposes. Only food preparation and personal hygiene are among the vital activities for which water can continue to be used. Depending on the region, there may be a fine.
Conclusion: Droughts pose a major threat to Spain, likely to spread
Spain is massively affected by droughts, but these are nothing more than tender excrescences of climate change. If humanity in general is not willing to rethink its way of life and apply other measures, life will change much more. Large parts of Europe could be affected by droughts, leading to world hunger and large-scale water shortages. Only together is it possible to do something against imminent catastrophes.
