Study finds human activity, not rainfall deficit, drives European drought

An international research team has concluded that human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, rather than reduced rainfall, are the primary cause of the drought and heat wave affecting Europe. The study found that rising average temperatures accelerate moisture loss from soil and water sources, increasing the likelihood of severe drought conditions. The research was conducted by the World Weather Attribution initiative. Team member Mariam Zacharia said spring rainfall was below average in many regions, but that high temperatures linked to climate change were the decisive factor. Dominik Schumacher of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said hot air draws moisture from the soil, deepening drought and setting the stage for forest fires. Scientists noted that the atmosphere can hold about 7% more water vapor for every 1 degree Celsius of warming, and that global temperatures have risen roughly 1.4 degrees above the 1850-1900 baseline. The study found that the probability of soil drought in Western Europe today is five times higher than in the pre-industrial era, and eleven times higher in Eastern Europe.