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Key Points

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis warns of worsening water shortages as reservoir levels drop sharply. Climate change has led to record-high temperatures and reduced rainfall, straining water supplies. The government is implementing over 1,200 projects, including desalination and infrastructure upgrades, to address the crisis. Public cooperation and urgent reforms are needed to secure long-term water security.

Key Points: Greek PM Mitsotakis Warns of Severe Water Shortages Due to Climate Change

  • Reservoir levels in Athens down 50% since 2022
  • Greece ranks 19th globally for water scarcity risk
  • Over 1,200 water projects underway including desalination
  • 50% of drinking water lost due to leaks and theft
2 min read

Greek PM warns of worsening water shortages amid climate change

Greece faces worsening water scarcity as reservoir levels drop by 50%, prompting urgent reforms and infrastructure upgrades.

"Water reserves in Attica have decreased dramatically, and dam levels are at historic lows, affecting both supply and energy generation. – Kyriakos Mitsotakis"

Athens, July 24

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned that the country is facing a worsening water scarcity crisis due to climate change, as water levels in key reservoirs continue to drop sharply, local media reported Thursday.

According to Kathimerini English edition, Mitsotakis made the remarks on Wednesday during a cabinet meeting focused on long-term water management.

He said reservoir levels supplying Athens have fallen by more than 50 per cent since 2022, placing Greece 19th globally for water scarcity risk, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"Water reserves in Attica have decreased dramatically, and dam levels are at historic lows, affecting both supply and energy generation," he noted.

Greece, located in southern Europe's climate-vulnerable zone, saw its warmest winter and summer on record last year, with some regions experiencing months without rain.

To address the crisis, Mitsotakis said over 1,200 water management projects are underway, including desalination, water recycling, and the use of coastal springs. Plans also include merging indebted local water providers to improve efficiency.

Water loss from ageing infrastructure remains a major challenge. Nearly 50 per cent of drinking water is lost due to pipe leaks and theft -- twice the European Union's average, official data show.

"This is a national priority. Urgent reforms are needed to ensure water security for the decades ahead," Mitsotakis emphasised.

Earlier in April, Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a 45-day extension to the deadline for clearing overgrown vegetation on private properties, as part of the country's efforts to better prepare for what is expected to be another challenging wildfire season.

Mitsotakis underscored the need for public cooperation in clearing plots of land, calling it a critical line of defence that had proven effective in protecting homes and aiding firefighting efforts last year, when the country experienced devastating fires.

Greece battled a spate of deadly wildfires last year, including a massive blaze that forced thousands to flee their homes and reached the suburbs of Athens before it was brought under control. Enhanced interagency coordination and investment in early warning systems are central to the 2025 fire response plan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Climate change is real folks! Greece's situation reminds me of Chennai's water crisis in 2019. We Indians waste so much water without realizing its value. Time to change our habits before it's too late.
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Arjun K
The 50% water loss due to pipe leaks is shocking! In Mumbai we have similar issues. Instead of building new dams, maybe we should first fix our existing infrastructure. Every drop counts!
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Sarah B
While Greece's situation is concerning, I appreciate their proactive approach with 1200 projects. In India, we need more action and less politics when it comes to environmental issues. The time for debate is over.
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Nikhil C
Wildfires AND water shortage? Greece is really suffering. Makes me think about our Himalayan states where glaciers are melting fast. Climate change doesn't discriminate - rich or poor nations, we're all in this together.
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Kavya N
We need to revive traditional water conservation methods along with modern tech. In Rajasthan, stepwells and rainwater harvesting worked for centuries. Maybe Greece can learn from our ancient wisdom too! 🌍

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