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Environment

Extreme drought in 2022 exposed fragility of Europe’s energy system

The past year saw temperature records fall and severe drought in many parts of the world – and it exposed how easily extreme weather can threaten Europe’s energy system

By Madeleine Cuff

14 December 2022

Part of the Guadiana river has dried up and gives way to dry land under the Puente de la Mesta medieval bridge in Villarta de los Montes, in the central-western Spanish region of Extremadura, on August 16, 2022. - Temperatures in Spain have been very high this summer with several unusual heat waves. Scientists say human-induced climate change is making extreme weather events including heatwaves and droughts more frequent and more intense. (Photo by THOMAS COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)

The Guadiana river in Spain, which nearly vanished in August

THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images

The crunch of leaves underfoot is usually associated with autumn. But this year, it was the soundtrack to summer strolls across Europe, as maximum temperature records fell and the continent suffered its worst drought in 500 years.

The dry weather pushed millions of trees into survival mode, with many shedding leaves to conserve water and energy.

Their bare branches were one of the most visible signs of a landscape in crisis during the long hot summer as rivers, reservoirs …

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