
pt.euronews.com
Western Balkans Drought Cripples Agriculture, Electricity, and Water Supplies
Extreme heat and drought caused by an African anticyclone affect the Western Balkans, impacting agriculture, electricity production (Albania imported €60 million in energy in H1 2024), and water resources, leading to restrictions and the closure of Pristina's Gërmia pool.
- How do varying water resource management strategies across the region exacerbate or mitigate the drought's effects?
- The drought's impact extends to Serbia, where extreme conditions affect harvests and water supplies in towns and villages. Kosovo also faces water shortages, exemplified by the closure of Pristina's Gërmia pool, which usually receives 4000-5000 visitors daily but lacked sufficient water to open this year.
- What are the immediate consequences of the drought in the Western Balkans, and how does it impact essential services?
- A severe drought is impacting the Western Balkans, affecting agriculture and electricity production. In Albania, temperatures reached 40°C, and rivers are nearly dry due to low rainfall. Authorities implemented irrigation projects, but electricity production from hydroelectric plants suffered, necessitating €60 million in energy imports during the first half of the year.
- What long-term strategies can the Western Balkans implement to improve water resource management and enhance resilience to future droughts?
- The ongoing drought highlights the Western Balkans' vulnerability to climate change. Reduced water resources strain agriculture and energy sectors, impacting livelihoods and economic stability. Future investments in water management and drought-resistant infrastructure are crucial to mitigate such crises.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the drought as a serious crisis impacting daily life, agriculture, and electricity production. The use of phrases like "grave drought" and descriptions of near-empty rivers sets a tone of urgency and concern. While accurate, this framing could be intensified by adding more data on the economic consequences or social unrest that could result.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual, though terms such as "grave drought" and "extreme drought" are strong descriptors. Alternatives such as "severe drought" or "widespread drought" could provide slightly less emotionally charged language, maintaining the seriousness without hyperbole.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the impact of the drought in Albania, Serbia, and Kosovo, but omits information about other Balkan countries. While this may be due to space constraints, it creates a potentially incomplete picture of the region-wide drought. Further, the article doesn't mention potential long-term effects of the drought, such as soil degradation or changes in agricultural practices.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from exploring alternative solutions beyond water diversion and energy imports. The challenges are presented as complex, not a simple eitheor situation.
Gender Bias
The article mentions several men in positions of authority (meteorologists, the director of the pool). The only gendered reference to a person is the director of the pool. The article could benefit from including female perspectives from those affected by the drought.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights water scarcity impacting agriculture, electricity production, and public water supply in the Western Balkans due to severe drought. Rivers are drying up, impacting hydroelectric power generation, and forcing water restrictions in towns and villages. A major recreational pool in Kosovo had to close due to lack of water. This directly affects access to clean water and sanitation for many.