Berlin Risks Water Shortages in Fallout From Germany’s Coal Exit
An unintended consequence of climate reform means the Spree River may get 75% less water
The Spree River running through Berlin, Germany.
Photographer: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
On extremely hot and dry summer days, water in Berlin’s Spree River gets sucked upstream by an array of pumps to ensure the German capital has enough to drink. Reversing the natural flow is set to become more frequent as the country’s exit from coal means a key source of water is lost.
With Berlin already facing less rainfall due to the climate crisis, the end of lignite mining in nearby regions means groundwater pumped out to extract the fossil fuel will no longer feed the Spree. On top of that, old mines are being flooded to create man-made lakes, further draining resources.