The European Drought Risk Atlas is an initiative that provides a comprehensive assessment and mapping of drought risks and impacts in the European Union (EU) under different global warming scenarios of 1.5, 2, and 3 degrees. Droughts have posed significant challenges in recent years, affecting various regions across the EU. The complexity of drought events, which develop gradually, occur outside of seasonal patterns, and can persist for extended periods, has made their assessment and prediction difficult. Especially for inland regions with a strong boating and nautical tourism industry presence, these developments should be closely monitored and planning put in place.

This Atlas, developed through a combination of expert knowledge and machine learning, offers a detailed view of the risks associated with droughts in the EU, along with their underlying drivers. It aims to support the development and implementation of drought management and adaptation policies and actions across the EU. 

The Atlas reveals that current drought risk levels are notably high, with annual losses impacting both the economy and the environment. The frequency of droughts is increasing, which narrows the window for recovery, resulting in more severe consequences. Climate change has already led to more intense and persistent meteorological droughts in southern Europe, and further global warming is expected to increase the frequency and severity of droughts across almost all EU regions. 

The assessment focuses on five sectors and systems: agricultural crop systems, public water supply, energy production, river transportation, and ecosystems. The Mediterranean region, particularly the Iberian Peninsula, is most at risk due to increasing dry conditions caused by global warming. Northern regions may experience more diverse and variable effects, while eastern and western Europe face complex dynamics related to drying, wetting, and precipitation variability. 

More information can be found here.