Vita gazette – Extreme temperatures affecting all of Europe continue to be effective in Italy, a Mediterranean country. After the Po River, the effects of extreme heat and drought began to be seen now in Lake Garda.

Northern Italy is currently experiencing a historic drought linked to climate change, with a near absence of rainfall and snowmelt, besides soaring temperatures. Lake Garda in northern Italy has shrunk to nearly its lowest level ever recorded, revealing swathes of underwater rocks and warming the water to temperatures seen in the Caribbean.  Vital rivers like the Po, running through Italy’s agricultural and industrial heartland, have all but dried up in the extreme conditions, significantly denting food production. Parched conditions in the Po, Italy’s longest river, has already caused billions of euros in losses to farmers in the region, which produces 40% of Italy’s food.

Italy is not alone in Europe, which experts warn is suffering its worst drought in 500 years. Many European countries, including Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands and the UK, are enduring unprecedented droughts this summer, hurting farmers and prompting authorities to adopt emergency measures.