Where’s the Water? Spain’s Drought, Gridlock and Sharks' Teeth
Political infighting is weakening Europe’s capacity to deal with climate change.
Catalonia’s Sau reservoir is far emptier than it should be. The northeastern Spanish region declared a drought emergency on February 1 for Barcelona and the surrounding.
Photographer: JOSEP LAGO/AFPImages from NASA satellites this month show Spain’s critical Sau Reservoir at 1% of capacity. At this time of year, the reservoir, which serves the northeastern region, is typically at 65%. It’s the latest sign of the pressures a three-year drought is inflicting on one of Europe’s richest regions, Catalonia, and its capital Barcelona. The emergency is so acute plans are afoot to truck water from Valencia 350 kilometers (217 miles) south.
Since climate forecasters suggest Spain is at the forefront of experiencing extreme climate events in Europe, it would be natural to expect Barcelona’s water crisis would be a matter of concern, if not the main event, animating national politics in Madrid. But no.