- High water salinity is a big problem in Europe. Salinity is the degree to which water contains dissolved salts. Soil salinity affects an estimated 1 million hectares in the European Union, mainly in the Mediterranean countries, and is a major cause of desertification. As rising seas increase saltwater intrusion and soaring temperatures cause greater evaporation, scientists say that the mounting levels of salt in waters and in soils pose a major climate-related danger and could become a leading cause of climate migration globally. High water salinity can have detrimental effects on agriculture. Salinity affects production in crops, pastures and trees by interfering with nitrogen uptake, reducing growth, stopping plant reproduction, poisoning and killing the plant as the concentration of toxic ions (particularly chloride) increases, resulting in yield loss and decreased quality when crops are irrigated with saline water. Salinity can decrease plant growth and water quality resulting in lower crop yields and degraded stock water supplies. Excess salt affects overall soil health, reducing productivity.
- Demographic growth, economic activity and climate change are increasing both seasonal and perennial water scarcity in the EU. A
substantial part of the territory is already affected by water abstraction in excess of the available supplies, and current trends indicate increasing water stress.
- Climate change is already affecting agricultural production in Europe, especially in the south. Climate impacts have led to poorer
harvests and higher production costs, affecting price, quantity and the quality of farmed products in parts of Europe regions due to the increased negative impacts of climate change.