Drought Bears Down Across Southwest Europe - Der Spiegel

[hatrack]

The drought in south-western Europe this year shows no signs of passing any time soon. Reservoirs are drying up, crops are dying, and across the region, temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) beat down, day after day. Droughts are not uncommon in the region, but this one is thought to be the worst since comprehensive records began, 60 years ago. The European Union is warning of a grain production shortfall in the order of 28 million tons -- a cut of 10 percent over last year.

The drought comes as a result of very limited precipitation for the past two years and has been exacerbated by a dry winter and spring. Many have suggested that global warming is to blame, but according to an article in today's Guardian, the water shortages also have much to do with an increased demand for water for private swimming pools, lawns, and golf courses. But whatever the cause, the results have not been pretty. Earlier this week, 14 volunteer firefighters died in Spain battling a wildfire, and forest fires have also hit Portugal. France is also suffering and a large swarm of locusts is descending on crops in some regions.

EDIT

http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,366291,00.html

Amazing photo series included at this link - looks like frickin' Nevada.

[skooooo]

1. Pshaw!

That's "silly science!"

[Canuckistanian]

2. What are "Drought Bears"?

I've heard of Brown bears and Polar bears and Grizzly bears...

[Democrats_win]

3. Because of our narrow media, most people don't know this.