The Mediterranean Faces Increasing Drought Threats to Agriculture

Extreme drought conditions are intensifying across the Mediterranean region, with Northern Africa, Spain, Italy, and Portugal seeing severe impacts. Prolonged dry periods, especially in Cataluña, have significantly reduced water availability. Agriculture, particularly olive production in Spain and Italy, has been hit hard, leading to a sharp decline in yields and soaring olive oil prices.

In response, governments are offering financial aid and subsidies, though only a fraction of olive farmers benefit due to low insurance coverage. Climate change is predicted to worsen drought conditions, increasing the frequency of extreme weather and posing further risks to food security.

For businesses, this highlights the need for risk management and climate adaptation strategies, particularly as environmental regulations tighten.