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DW
17-06-2025
- Climate
- DW
Drought has many faces and many impacts – DW – 06/17/2025
Extreme drought and water shortages are increasingly harming crops, the economy and the lives of people around the world. But drought doesn't have the same impact everywhere. What can we do to alleviate water crises? After a dry European spring, farmers across some parts of the continent are worried about this year's crops. And the concerns are notunique to Europe. As global temperatures are pushed up by the burning of coal, oil and gas, other parts of the world are also experiencing longer periods of drought. But not all droughts equal, and each type comes with its own set of consequences. Meteorological and agricultural droughts A study released this year by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) showed that periods of extreme drought have increased globally over the last 40 years. The global average of drought-stricken land has increased by around 50,000 square kilometers (about 19,300 square miles) every year, an area roughly the size of Slovakia. In Sicily, Italy, this former watering hole — once a vital resource for a local farmer — has been reduced to a sandy pit Image: Andrew Medichini/AP Photo/picture alliance People in northern Chile have been living with drought for the last 14 years, while in the southwestern US — states like Arizona, New Mexico and parts of California, for instance — the last three years have been extremely dry. Meteorological drought is defined by comparing actual conditions to the average amount of precipitation in a certain area, making them region specific. The German Weather Service, for examples, calls a meteorological drought a period of one or two months of unusually dry weather, with little precipitation. If the ground is parched, farmers are having trouble securing water, plants aren't growing properly and crops are reduced or even fail completely, it is known as an agricultural drought. Hydrological drought This occurs when water levels in rivers, lakes and underground natural reserves fall below a specific minimum, and freshwater supplies are almost completely dry. Hydrological drought often occurs after a longer meteorological drought. For the German Weather Service, that means a period of at least four months of unusually dry conditions. In October 2024, ships in Brazil's Rio Negro were left high and dry in one of the region's worst droughts since 1950 Image: Bruno Kelly/REUTERS More and more regions around the world are experiencing above-average dryness. By 2050, the World Bank has predicted that people living in much of Africa, Southeast Asia, parts of the US and South America will see even greater problems. In Cyprus, rivers and reservoirs are empty The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is currently experiencing both an agricultural and hydrological drought. Rain has been scarce for many weeks — reservoirs are empty, riverbeds are dry and dusty and farmers don't have enough to keep their crops alive. Recent media reports have said this year's harvest is at risk of failure. "Last year was already bad, but this is the second year that is very dry," said Adriana Bruggeman, an associate professor at the Cyprus Institute's Energy, Environment and Water Research Center. Bruggeman explained that the winter months are usually a time of more precipitation, giving lakes and rivers the chance to refill. But when that rain doesn't fall, the reservoirs in Cyprus remain empty. "We're not in a good condition," she said. Farmers in Cyprus struggle with water shortages To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Socioeconomic drought It's not always easy to strictly differentiate between the different types of drought, as several phenomena can occur in parallel. Most droughts that people actually notice are of the socioeconomic kind, according to Dirk Karger of the WSL in Switzerland. These occur when extremely dry conditions have a direct effect on society and the economy — when the lack of water make certain goods or electricity more expensive, or even scarce. During a period of extreme drought in Spain and Italy in 2024, there were times when water supplies were rationed. In the same period in neighboring France, several nuclear plants had to be temporarily shut down due to insufficient water to cool the reactors. And in Zimbabwe, a hydroelectric plant was unable to provide electricity due to water shortages, resulting in power outages. Droughts can also have dramatic social and economic consequences. In many regions, including Sudan, South Suden and Mali, persistent droughts have exacerbated hunger . "If we look to the West, in the US, where there's been water shortages for the last decade, there have also been repercussions on the water supply," said Karger. "The same thing in Chile, where there's been some real damage." The western states of California and Nevada have experienced months of drought, contributing to the conditions that have saw devastating wildfires during the winter months — most notably in Los Angeles in January. Ecological drought The effects of severe drought, according to Germany's Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, are often underestimated — even though they often cause much greater economic damage than storms, floods or heavy rain. Unlike these extreme weather events, droughts don't come with an early warning sign. And how bad a drought will end up being is only known long after it has begun. In the US alone, droughts are responsible for between $6-9 billion in damages every year. As a result, researchers are increasingly highlighting a fifth type of event: ecological drought. This describes how periods of extreme drought can destabilize animals, plants and entire ecosystems. How can cities adapt to water cycle 'whiplash'? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A severe drop in groundwater levels and soil moisture can lead to irreversible effects for ecosystems — and people. These include widespread crop failure, increased tree death, reduced ecosystem productivity and a threat to water supplies, WSL researchers highlighted in their study. Drought spares no landscape. A severe drought is almost immediately noticeable on grasslands, but these find it easier to bounce back after the rains return. Forests, on the other hand, can't recover as easily and may experience lasting damage from the same weather conditions. Drought also raises the risks in other disasters. A heavy rain after a long period of dryness, for example, can overwhelm dried out soils. The ground can't absorb the sudden masses of water, leading to flooding, landslides and raging mudflows. What can we do to save water and survive drought? To prevent droughts from becoming even more severe in the future, experts say we must do everything to limit climate change as quickly as possible. At the same time, people will need to adapt to increasing long periods without rain. Finding ways to use the available water more efficiently, both at home and in industry, is essential. Places like Singapore are leading the way when it comes to water conservation. This collection basin helps Singapore to collect and efficiently store rainwater Image: Aleksandr Simonov/Depositphotos/Imago Images The city-state in Southeast Asia is a world leader when it comes to collecting rainwater. Water reservoirs have been set up throughout the city, ready to collect any rain that falls from the sky. These reservoirs deliver drinking water during periods of dry weather, and help to cool the city during heat waves. Water treatment plants reclaim wastewater, turning it back into drinking water. So far, Singapore is one of the few countries to do so much to conserve water. Its strategy is an excellent example for other cities and regions, and could help them to prepare for water shortages. Efficiency is another potential way to save water. Around the world, cities lose huge volumes of the precious resource due to leaky or broken pipes. In Italy, some 40% of the country's freshwater is lost on the way to the consumer; in Europe, about a quarter of drinking water is wasted due to inadequate management practices. Regular repair and maintenance of pipes, including regularly checking them for leaks, would help to protect water supplies worldwide. How Singapore is going from water rags to riches To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This article was originally written in German.
The Herald Scotland
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Pope criticises nationalism and prays for reconciliation
He declared: 'Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for 'security' zones separating us from our neighbours, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms.' He did not name any specific country or politician. The Pope greeted a young girl as he arrived to celebrate Mass on Sunday (Andrew Medichini/AP) Leo also recalled the words of late Pope Francis, who – on the feast of Pentecost in May 2023 – observed that in our world 'we are all connected, yet find ourselves disconnected from one another, anaesthetised by indifference and overwhelmed by solitude'. The Pope also condemned wars which 'are plaguing our world', and asked the Holy Spirit for 'the gift of peace'. He told the faithful: 'First of all, peace in our hearts, for only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family, society and international relations.' He then prayed for reconciliation and dialogue wherever there is war in the world. Soon after becoming Pope, Leo pledged to work for unity and peace. His first message: 'Peace be with you all,' set the importance of peace as a pillar of his papacy. He has also appealed for a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Standard
07-06-2025
- General
- The Standard
Can an American pope apply US-style fundraising and standards to fix troubled Vatican finances?
FILE - A view of the empty St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis is delivering the Angelus noon prayer from his studio, at the Vatican, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sinner to renew rivalry with Alcaraz in Italian Open final
Jannik Sinner fans wait for the start of the semifinal tennis match against Tommy Paul, of the United States, at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning the semifinal tennis match against taly's Lorenzo Musetti at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Italy's Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning the semifinal tennis match against Tommy Paul, of the United States, at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Italy's Lorenzo Musetti during their semifinal tennis match at the Italian Open, at the Foro Italico, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Italy's Jannik Sinner stands on the court during his semifinal tennis match against Tommy Paul, of the United States, at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Italy's Jannik Sinner stands on the court during his semifinal tennis match against Tommy Paul, of the United States, at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Jannik Sinner fans wait for the start of the semifinal tennis match against Tommy Paul, of the United States, at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning the semifinal tennis match against taly's Lorenzo Musetti at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Italy's Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning the semifinal tennis match against Tommy Paul, of the United States, at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Italy's Lorenzo Musetti during their semifinal tennis match at the Italian Open, at the Foro Italico, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Italy's Jannik Sinner stands on the court during his semifinal tennis match against Tommy Paul, of the United States, at the Italian Open, in Rome, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) ROME (AP) — Jannik Sinner has gone all the way to the final in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban. And Carlos Alcaraz is waiting for him in the Italian Open title match. 'Normally when we play each other the level is very high, because we push each other to do things we don't normally do,' Sinner said. 'I'm curious to see what level I'm at.' Advertisement The top-ranked Sinner rallied past No. 12 Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 in the semifinals on Friday as he attempts to become the first Italian man to lift the Rome trophy since Adriano Panatta in 1976. Earlier, Alcaraz advanced to his first Rome final by beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (4). Sunday's final will mark the first meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz since October, when Alcaraz won the China Open final in a third-set tiebreaker. Alcaraz holds a 6-4 edge in their career meetings and has won three straight against his biggest rival. But Sinner has not lost since that defeat to Alcaraz in Beijing and is on a 26-match winning streak. He's playing his first tournament since he won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January. Advertisement 'He's playing great. I've been watching his matches,' Alcaraz said. 'His level is really high right now. Every time that I play against him is always a battle, always really, really tough. I kind of enjoy (those) moments.' Sinner cranked up his level to near perfection in a rout of Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Against Paul, Sinner made unforced errors in the first set while his American opponent hit shot after shot on the lines. But Sinner quickly turned the match around. Sinner said cooler, heavier conditions made it more challenging and that getting broken in his first service game was a 'punch in my face." 'But I tried to stay there mentally, trying to understand what might work a little bit better,' Sinner said. 'Tennis can change quickly.' Advertisement Toward the end of the match, Sinner appeared to be grimacing at times and clutching his thighs. 'Since the third round I have a small blister under my feet which doesn't allow me that well to move in some moments,' he said. 'Leg-wise I'm not concerned, it's just a bit tight. 'There are no excuses. With the adrenaline there is just going to be a lot of energy on Sunday. I'm 100% not concerned.' Sinner is the first Italian man in the Rome final since 1978 when Panatta lost to Bjorn Borg, and Alcaraz noted that playing Sinner before his home crowd will be 'even more challenging.' Sinner's fans have been out in full force for all of his matches, many of them wearing wigs and hats in orange — his theme color. One fan held aloft a sign during the semifinal that translated from Italian to, 'Sinner, we missed you.' Advertisement In February, Sinner agreed to a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency that raised questions, since the three-month suspension conveniently allowed him not to miss any Grand Slams and come back at his home tournament. Rome is the last big warmup before the French Open starts on May 25. Alcaraz's run on clay It's the third final in three clay-court events this season for Alcaraz, who won the Monte Carlo Masters and finished runner-up in the Barcelona Open. He withdrew from the Madrid Open because of injury. The third-ranked Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid tournament with an upper right leg issue and also had a left leg injury. In Rome, he has been wearing a long black brace covering the upper portion of his right leg stretching down to just below his knee. Advertisement Musetti took the first set off Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final but Alcaraz broke the Italian's serve in the first game of the rematch to silence the pro-Musetti crowd on Campo Centrale. Musetti didn't help himself with unforced errors and began pushing Alcaraz only at the end of the set. Musetti was docked a point for misbehavior late in the second set after receiving a warning earlier for breaking his racket. On a windy day at the Foro Italico, Alcaraz said it wasn't about playing 'brilliant,' but rather 'smart tennis' was required. 'Waiting for your chances to play aggressive, so I think I did it pretty well,' Alcaraz said. 'I stayed strong mentally when things didn't went to my side.' Advertisement Alcaraz is playing the Italian Open for the second time. During his Rome debut last year, he lost to then-135th-ranked Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan in the third round. Paolini in singles and doubles finals The women's final on Saturday features Coco Gauff against Jasmine Paolini. Paolini and partner Sara Errani also advanced to the women's doubles final when they beat Russian pair Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider 6-4, 6-4 in a rematch of last year's Olympic final also won by the Italians. ___ AP tennis:
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alcaraz advances to the Italian Open quarterfinals; Sinner faces a test vs. Cerundolo
France's Corentin Moutet returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against Britain's Jack Draper at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Britain's Jack Draper returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against France's Corentin Moutet at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Russia's Karen Khachanov returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against Russia's Karen Khachanov at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after a winning point during a round of sixteen match against Russia's Karen Khachanov at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after a winning point during a round of sixteen match against Russia's Karen Khachanov at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) France's Corentin Moutet returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against Britain's Jack Draper at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Britain's Jack Draper returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against France's Corentin Moutet at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Russia's Karen Khachanov returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns a shot during a round of sixteen match against Russia's Karen Khachanov at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after a winning point during a round of sixteen match against Russia's Karen Khachanov at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) ROME (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz was made to work for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Karen Khachanov that earned him a spot in the Italian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday. Alcaraz saved two break points early in the third set then dropped his serve later on to waste an early break before improving to 5-0 in his career against the 24th-ranked Khachanov. Advertisement The third-ranked Alcaraz wore a long black brace that covered the upper portion of his right leg and stretched down to just below his knee. Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open last month due to an upper right leg ailment that bothered him during the Barcelona Open final. He also had a left leg injury. Alcaraz, who won the Monte Carlo Masters in April, improved to 12-1 on clay this season. The four-time Grand Slam champion will next face No. 5 Jack Draper, who rallied past Corentin Moutet 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 on the red clay courts of the Foro Italico. Alcaraz is playing the Italian Open for the second time. During the Spaniard's debut last year, he lost to then-135th-ranked Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan in the third round as he dealt with a bothersome right forearm issue. Advertisement But Alcaraz then went on to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon. Later in the other half of the draw, top-ranked Jannik Sinner was to play No. 18 Francisco Cerundolo in the biggest test so far after his return from a three-month doping ban. Rome is the last big warmup tournament before the French Open starts May 25. Women's quarterfinals In the women's quarterfinals later, home favorite Jasmine Paolini was playing Diana Shnaider and two-time Rome champion Elina Svitolina was playing Peyton Stearns. ___ AP tennis:
