Extremely low water levels on the Rhine and Danube are disrupting energy generation, freight, and river transport across Europe. The rivers support nuclear cooling, hydropower, industry, and trade, meaning prolonged low levels could increase energy and transport costs. Authorities are turning to extreme measures to fight the economy-threatening drought, like blowing up riverbeds.
The drought in Europe is so severe that it is jeopardizing countries' economic growth and forcing them to take extreme measures like blowing up riverbeds.
Romania recently shut down its sole working nuclear reactor cooled by the Danube for the first time, with Bucharest even deploying naval forces to carry out underwater detonations to improve water flow.
Why low Rhine levels threaten Germany's economy
In Germany, the water levels on the Rhine River, a crucial waterway in Europe's economic heartland, have fallen to their lowest levels in nearly 150 years, posing a risk to the German economy and further disrupting supply chains.
The low water levels could dampen German GDP by up to 0.2%.
What low water levels mean for freight and supply chains
The issue shines a light on a critically important environmental issue: water scarcity.
The low water levels could lead to losses of 1-2 billion euros ($1.15-2.3 billion) in the third quarter.
How climate change is increasing Europe's drought risk
Companies have prepared by either stocking up on inventories or diverting the transport of some goods via rail or road.
