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Greece Faces Severe Drought and Rainfall Shortage in 2024

Writer's picture: Sanin MirvićSanin Mirvić

Greece has been facing one of its worst droughts in decades in 2024. With rainfall levels plummeting to historic lows, the repercussions are being felt across the country—from parched agricultural lands to reduced water supplies in urban areas.

Marathon lake, nearby Agios Stefanos. Copyright Corella Publishing
Marathon lake, nearby Agios Stefanos. Copyright Corella Publishing

Climate Trends and Contributing Factors


The ongoing drought is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of shifting climatic conditions in the Mediterranean. Scientists point to rising global temperatures, altered weather patterns, and reduced snowfall in mountainous regions as key contributors. According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), rainfall during the critical autumn and winter months of 2023–24 was 40% below the seasonal average.


In addition to natural climatic variations, human activities such as deforestation, over-irrigation, and inefficient water management have exacerbated the crisis. Urban areas, particularly Athens and Thessaloniki, are struggling to meet water demands, while rural regions grapple with depleted groundwater reserves.


Impact on Agriculture


The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Greek economy, has been hit particularly hard. Crops such as olives, grapes, and wheat, which are vital both domestically and for export, are suffering from water scarcity. Farmers report that yields have dropped by up to 50% in some regions, leading to financial distress and concerns about long-term sustainability.

Forest fire aftermath, near Varympompi. Copyright Sanin Mirvic & Corella Publishing
Forest fire aftermath, near Varympompi. Copyright Sanin Mirvic & Corella Publishing

Animal husbandry is also under strain, as livestock struggle to find adequate water and grazing lands. This has driven up prices for essential products like milk, cheese, and meat, further burdening Greek households already contending with inflation.


Tourism and Water Management


Tourism, another pillar of the economy, is facing its own set of challenges. Many popular islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, rely on limited freshwater resources that are being stretched to their limits. Hotel owners and local authorities are scrambling to adopt water-saving measures, but the long-term viability of tourism in such regions remains uncertain.


Authorities have also implemented water restrictions in many areas, limiting usage for non-essential activities such as gardening and car washing. Desalination plants and water imports have been proposed as emergency solutions, but these are costly and environmentally controversial.


Government and Community Responses


The Greek government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis and pledged to invest in sustainable water management practices. Proposed measures include modernizing irrigation systems, promoting drought-resistant crops, and enhancing the country’s capacity for rainwater harvesting. However, experts caution that these initiatives will take time to implement and may not fully address the immediate challenges.


Communities across Greece are also stepping up. Grassroots organizations are raising awareness about water conservation, while local farmers are experimenting with innovative techniques such as drip irrigation and soil moisture retention methods.


A Wake-Up Call


The 2024 drought serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Greece and other Mediterranean countries to the impacts of climate change. While the immediate focus is on mitigating the crisis, the long-term solution lies in a combination of global climate action and local adaptation strategies. For Greece, preserving its natural resources is not just an environmental imperative but a cultural and economic necessity.


As the country navigates this challenging period, its resilience and capacity for innovation will be critical in ensuring a sustainable future for its people and ecosystems.

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