Recent research exposes a concerning doubling of extreme drought conditions in northern Italy over the past two decades, resulting in a climate increasingly resembling that of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. The study, conducted by WaterAid, Cardiff, and Bristol universities, demonstrates the “whiplash effect” of global heating, leading to erratic climate extremes. Satellite imagery and data analysis reveal a disturbing pattern where areas accustomed to frequent droughts are now experiencing increased flooding, while historically flood-prone regions contend with more frequent droughts.
In particular, the southern Shabelle region of Ethiopia, once prone to recurrent flooding between 1980 and 2000, is now witnessing a notable shift towards prolonged and severe drought conditions. The Shabelle River, a vital water source for Somalia, recently faced severe drought in the Horn of Africa. Alarmingly, similar intensified drought patterns are evident in northern Italy, where the number of intense dry spells has more than doubled since 2000.
However, researchers highlight a climate hazard flip, indicating that the droughts in both regions are now punctuated by extreme rainfall events, leading to devastating floods. This was notably observed in Italy’s Lombardy region during the summer. The phenomenon of climate extremes swapping unpredictably is affecting vulnerable communities in some of the world’s poorest areas, exacerbating their ability to cope.
Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid, stressed the urgent need for climate adaptation measures. He emphasized that the climate crisis has transformed into a global water crisis, demanding immediate attention from world leaders. As the research is published on the eve of the UN’s Cop28 climate conference, the focus shifts to securing funds to aid communities in adapting to the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
WaterAid calls on leaders at Cop28 to prioritize clean water, sanitation, and hygiene as integral components of climate adaptation programs. The vulnerable communities experiencing climate flips from extreme weather conditions urgently need robust and resilient water systems to mitigate the impacts.
