Droughts and floods: Spain calls for joint water action

Madrid, 3 November: Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares warns that droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and intense. He calls on countries to manage water together as they face climate change.

Albares points to severe weather in Spain, known as a DANA, and the El Niño climate pattern in Peru. Climate impacts often come through too much water or too little, he says. He also cites shrinking glaciers and worsening water quality.

Why water matters beyond the weather

Reliable water supplies affect more than the environment, Albares argues. He links them to economic stability and wellbeing, as well as food security, health and migration. No country can tackle these risks alone, he says, because weather and water-related threats cross borders.

What leaders plan next

At the Ibero-American summit in Madrid on 4 and 5 November, leaders are expected to agree on a network for disaster risk reduction and civil protection. Albares also wants countries to share scientific findings, weather and water data, and early-warning systems. He calls for joint funding and technical cooperation on water management.

Topics: Environment

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com