Drought threatens agriculture and nature: region faces challenges!

Drought threatens agriculture and nature: region faces challenges!

The extreme drought in Germany is increasingly posing a serious problem for the flora and fauna. This drought does not stop at the people of the region either. In recent months, agriculture in particular has suffered particularly badly from the conditions. He draws a devastating conclusion Westphalian News, reporting on the effects of the Drought Period. There were some rain showers over Pentecost, but these were anything but sufficient and the period from March to May brought too little rainfall overall.

The German Weather Service (DWD) found that Germany experienced its driest period since 1931 from early February to mid-April 2025. March saw just 21% of the rainfall measured compared to 1991 to 2020, making it the sixth driest March since records began in 1881. The situation was particularly dire in May, where only around 48 l/m² of precipitation was measured, which corresponds to 68% of the usual amount. In certain regions, especially in the north and northeast of Germany, the situation was even more dramatic: only 9 l/m² of precipitation fell there in March, meaning that the soil is seriously suffering from drought stress.

Consequences for agriculture

The drought has massive consequences for agricultural businesses. The Federal Environment Agency warns that irrigated agriculture in Germany in particular is of little importance, accounting for only 2.5% of total water withdrawal. However, the need for water for agricultural areas is constantly increasing, especially in view of the declining water reserves. In many cases, arable farmers and farmers have to resort to artificial irrigation to keep their plants afloat and avoid loss of yield.

But animal welfare is also affected because the supply of food becomes more difficult. Animals that rely on green pasture and fresh grass have little food due to the ongoing drought. Representative of the CONVENTION warn urgently about the far-reaching ecological consequences of this situation and call for measures to restore damaged habitats and support biological diversity.

Water shortages in cities

Water shortages not only affect rural areas; cities are also feeling the effects of climate change. Water abstraction in Germany has fallen in recent decades, but this is not happening uniformly, which can lead to regional bottlenecks. While in many cities the water requirement only accounts for 10.1% of the long-term average water supply, there are large differences in availability in dry years.

Climate change has also led to a decrease in soil moisture, which not only affects drinking water supplies but also impacts agriculture and ecosystems. Without adaptation strategies and a well-founded awareness of how to use water, things will be difficult for people and nature in the coming years. It is important to take proactive measures to manage water sustainably and protect habitats.

Overall, the situation makes it clear: the drought is undoubtedly part of a larger climate pattern that extends across Europe and affects us all. Only through joint action and targeted strategies can we overcome the challenges that the climate brings with it.