The OECD warns that droughts could cost the Paris region €2.5 billion by century’s end, impacting agriculture and manufacturing. The region has seen temperature increases affecting water supply, with significant rises in agricultural water needs. Proposed strategies highlight the importance of proactive water management to prevent future crises and economic damage.
A recent report by the OECD warns that severe droughts could inflict €2.5 billion in economic damage on the Paris region by the century’s end. Although the French capital has not yet faced the extreme water shortages seen in other cities, future climate projections indicate worsening conditions post-2050, particularly affecting agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Historically recognized for its water-rich resources, the Île-de-France region has experienced a 2C increase in average temperatures since 1990, increasing the likelihood of drought. Climate changes are expected to create dry conditions similar to those in Mediterranean regions, leading to erratic rainfall and drying soils.
The region, housing 19% of France’s population, generates one-third of the national economy and allocates half its land to farming, prompting rising water demands. Agricultural water usage has increased significantly, with predictions of a 45% rise by 2050, as cooling systems increasingly draw water from the Seine River.
Severe drought events comparable to the devastating historic drought of 1921 could require major restrictions on water use for industry and agriculture for over 150 days to safeguard drinking water. The OECD estimates immediate economic losses from drought would account for over two-thirds of the total potential damage, primarily impacting manufacturing and agriculture.
To mitigate increasing drought risks, the report suggests thorough water usage assessments and revised water allocation strategies. Although the Île-de-France has robust water conservation measures, authorities need to proactively adapt these strategies rather than waiting for a crisis.
Furthermore, extended droughts pose risks to Paris’s infrastructure, as clay soils shrink, potentially causing structural damage to buildings and increasing economic costs. Water conflicts may arise between urban areas and agricultural regions, necessitating a comprehensive reevaluation of water infrastructure. The OECD emphasizes the need for investment now to prepare for future drought challenges.
The OECD report highlights the significant economic risks that the Paris region faces due to future droughts, forecasting potential damages of €2.5 billion by century’s end. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, proactive measures, including improved water management and infrastructure adaptation, must be prioritized to mitigate these impending challenges.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
