Poland is drying out faster than we think. Scientists: We don’t have time anymore

If anyone still has doubts that climate change is a “fake”, unfortunately experts have bad news for them. – We have had a permanent drought since 2013, and the water deficit is constantly deepening – warns prof. Iwona Wagner from the University of Łódź.

The expert emphasizes that the problem is not new, but has been ignored for years despite scientists’ warnings about climate change and environmental degradation.

According to researchers, Poland is particularly susceptible to drying due to its hydrogeological conditions. Additionally, many years of development of green areas and landscape degradation have made it increasingly difficult to retain water naturally.

Experts on drought: large reservoirs will not solve the problem

Prof. Wagner is critical of the dominant approach to water retention. As he points out, instead of investing mainly in huge reservoirs, Poland should focus on retaining water directly in the landscape – in the soil, wetlands, forests and natural watercourses.

– Water is needed where there is drought, not confined to one place – emphasizes the expert in an interview with “Rzeczpospolita”. He adds that the largest reservoir of water is healthy soil, the condition of which is deteriorating dramatically in many regions of the country.

Scientists point out that negligence may affect not only the environment, but also food prices and food security in Poland.

Drought in Poland. “We are adapting to the crisis, but there are limits”

In turn, prof. Szymon Malinowski from the University of Warsaw believes that society today operates with a false sense of security. In his opinion, Poles are getting used to more and more frequent weather extremes, although the possibilities of adaptation have their limits.

Experts also warn about the growing fire risk. In many regions of the country, forest litter moisture has dropped below 10 percent, which means there is an extreme risk of fires.

– At some point, fires may exceed the capabilities of the extinguishing system – warns prof. Malinowski in “Rz”.

Fighting drought is a complex challenge

Scientists remind that Poland is practically responsible for its water management, because almost the entire Vistula and Oder catchment areas are located within the country’s borders.

– If we make bad decisions, we will have no one to blame but our own short-sightedness – emphasizes prof. Wagner

Experts call for greater use of scientific knowledge when planning investments and climate policy. In their opinion, without real action, the effects of drought, floods and fires will become more and more costly for the economy and society.