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World Water Day: World drought concerns remain in 2023

06:00
22 March 2023

World Water Day
World drought concerns remain in 2023

Parked grass parkThe wilted, golden grass of Greenwich Park, London seen during last year's summer heatwave and drought. - © picture alliance

On this year's World Water Day we're taking a look back at the impact dwindling water supplies is already having on the world in 2023.

After experiencing hosepipe bans and other restrictions last summer in the UK and Ireland we are starting to feel the impact of warmer weather conditions and how it affects water supplies.

Across Europe drought remains a concern particularly in the Iberian peninsula. Underpinning this worry is news that groundwater reserves are running low across the continent.

Europe's groundwater is drying outread more

Receding water levels at Italy's Lake Garda earlier this year revealed a long submerged path to one of the lake's islands, quickly becoming a tourist destination.

Italian drought reveals Lake Garda pathread more

Looking elsewhere, the Horn of Africa officially entered its most severe drought for 70 years in February following five consecutive failed rainy seasons.

Horn of Africa's extreme droughtread more

Back in the UK and Ireland, not all reservoirs and lakes have been able to rebound to sufficient levels ahead of this summer and we are likely to see another season of restrictions ahead with fresh drought declarations possible.

Clean water is a necessity in our daily lives, and this World Water Day offers the chance for leading figures to strategise on how to protect this into the future.

Ryan Hathaway
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