In recent years, drought has become an increasingly significant issue in Germany. Summers are getting hotter and drier, which is having a severe impact not only on agriculture but also on water supplies and ecosystems. Climate change is exacerbating these trends, and drought could become one of the greatest challenges in the coming years. In this article, we explore the causes and effects of drought and offer practical tips on how you can adapt your garden—for example, by choosing plants that thrive in shade and drought, as well as perennials that thrive in sun and drought.
Causes of the drought in Germany
The drought in Germany is the result of several interacting factors. Climate change plays a central role, as it leads to higher average temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. Winters are becoming milder and summers are characterized by longer dry periods. These climatic changes have a direct impact on the availability of water and lead to increased evaporation.
Other factors:
- Land use: Intensive agriculture and soil sealing due to urbanization exacerbate water scarcity.
- Water consumption: The rising demand for water in households and industry is increasing the pressure on water resources.
- Forest damage: Trees weakened by drought are more susceptible to pests and diseases, which further weakens the forests.
Effects of the drought
The effects of drought are manifold and affect different areas of life. Agricultural yields fall as plants suffer from a lack of water. This leads to higher food prices and increases the pressure on farmers. Water supply is also becoming increasingly problematic, as groundwater reserves are being depleted and water withdrawals have to be restricted.
Effects in detail:
- Agriculture: Lower crop yields and higher irrigation costs.
- Water supply: Restrictions on water use and rising costs for water treatment.
- Ecosystems: Loss of biodiversity and increased susceptibility of ecosystems to pests and diseases.
What are the effects of drought on air quality?
Drought affects not only soil, plants, and water bodies, but also air quality. If there is a prolonged lack of precipitation, various air pollutants can have a greater impact or occur more frequently.
More dust and particulates
Dry soil and parched vegetation stir up fine dust particles when the wind blows. These can increase fine particulate matter levels, especially in agricultural regions or on unpaved surfaces. Pollen and other particles also often remain in the air longer during dry weather.
Increased Ozone Pollution
Hot, sunny days promote the formation of ground-level ozone. This is produced by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when exposed to sunlight. High ozone concentrations can irritate the respiratory tract and impair physical performance, especially in children, older adults, and people with respiratory diseases.
Forest and Vegetation Fires
Prolonged dry spells increase the risk of forest and wildfires. The smoke produced by these fires contains, among other things, particulates other harmful substances that can travel long distances and significantly degrade air quality.
Effects on Indoor Climate
On hot days, windows are often kept closed to keep the heat out. However, this can lead to a decline in indoor air quality. Without sufficient air exchange, CO₂ levels rise, while volatile organic compounds and other pollutants can accumulate indoors. At the same time, dry outdoor air can also lower indoor humidity, which can lead to dry eyes, irritated mucous membranes, or dry skin.
Especially during prolonged periods of dry weather and heat, it is therefore a good idea to keep an eye not only on the temperature but also on air quality and humidity. This is the only way to determine when it makes sense to ventilate and whether the indoor air continues to provide a healthy indoor environment.
Adapting to drought: tips for the garden
To counteract drought, you can adapt your garden by choosing plants for shade and drought and perennials for sun and drought. These plants are particularly resistant to a lack of water and help to reduce water consumption.
Plant recommendations:
- Lavender: A robust perennial that tolerates drought well and requires little care.
- Rosemary: An aromatic herb that loves both sun and dryness.
- Stonecrop: This succulent stores water in its leaves and is ideal for dry locations.
- Yarrow: An easy-care plant that tolerates both sun and drought well.
Gardening tips:
- Mulching: A layer of mulch helps to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Drip irrigation: An efficient irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots and minimizes evaporation.
- Soil improvement: The water retention capacity of the soil can be improved by adding compost.
Drought: What Should You Expect?
Drought can exacerbate water shortages. Experts recommend a more mindful use of water resources. In agriculture, new farming methods and more resilient plant varieties may be necessary to meet these challenges.
Strategies for preparation:
- Water management: Invest in rainwater collection systems and efficient irrigation techniques.
- Adaptation of agriculture: Rely on drought-resistant plant varieties and optimize crop rotation.
- Education and awareness: Educate yourself and others about the importance of water conservation and the impact of climate change.
What do you have to be prepared for when it starts to rain after a long dry spell?
After a long dry period, sudden rain can lead to flooding, as the dried out soil cannot absorb the water quickly enough. This increases the risk of soil erosion and damage to infrastructure.
Damage limitation measures:
- Soil protection: Erosion can be reduced by planting ground cover plants.
- Infrastructure: Check drainage systems and make sure they are functional to prevent flooding.
- Emergency plans: Develop plans for dealing with sudden weather events to minimize damage.
The drought in Germany poses a serious challenge that is further exacerbated by climate change. To address the effects of the drought, adaptation strategies are needed at both the individual and societal levels. By selecting suitable plants and implementing efficient irrigation techniques, you can adapt your garden to the changing climatic conditions. At the same time, the conscious use of water resources is crucial for mitigating the effects of drought. By preparing for these challenges, we can strengthen the resilience of our environment and our way of life.
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