Water Shortages Turning Spain into the New Africa

Today the New York Times reported that parts of southeast Spain and other areas in Southern Europe are drying to the point that they are beginning to resemble the climate of Africa. The drying is most likely due to the combination of global warming, pressures from water transfer plants on farmers to switch to more thirsty crops, and a recent land development boom. While cyclical droughts have been a historical characteristic of Southern Spain, scientists say the current water crisis is probably emblematic of a more permanent change. In fact, “the Spanish Environment Ministry estimates that one-third of the county is at risk of turning into desert from a combination of climate change and poor land use.”

With this ‘Africanization’ of Spain’s climate have come new conflicts. Farmers in affected areas have begun battling developers—as well as fellow farmers—for water control. The black market for water from illegal sources is swelling and the crisis has exposed public officials engaged in water use and development scandals.

While only some farmers have changed their growing habits, the crisis has spurred the Spanish government to sponsor a European water conference this summer and to develop a plan to stave off desertification. Among other efforts, the government seeks to switch to more efficient irrigation techniques and establish desalination programs.

Water stress and scarcity, however, is certainly not an issue unique to Spain. The United Nations estimates that desertification resulting from climate change has the potential to eventually force 135 million people off their land, primarily in developing countries. The NYT article states, “The battles of yesterday were fought over land... Those of the present center on oil. But those of the future — a future made hotter and drier by climate change in much of the world — seem likely to focus on water.”