A new analysis from the conservation group WWF warns that by 2050, three quarters of the population and Spain’s GDP could face a high risk of water scarcity if action isn’t taken. It highlights that the cities of Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Murcia are among the areas in Europe most at risk of drought and food shortages. The report points to intensive irrigation farms, which currently consume about 80% of the country’s water, as a key driver of this pressure.
The analysis extends across Europe, estimating that 17% of the continent’s people and 13% of its GDP could be exposed to high to extreme water scarcity by 2050 unless governments and private sector actors implement urgent measures to curb water use and boost resilience.
Europe is projected to become drier overall, with Spain and Greece singled out as nations facing the greatest risk of water stress. In Greece, as much as 82% of the population and GDP could rely on water-stressed areas by mid-century.
In light of these findings, WWF advocates for a fundamental shift in national water governance. The goal is to align water management with available resources to ensure sustained supplies for both natural ecosystems and people.
Intensive and industrial irrigation
The report criticizes current practices, noting that roughly three-quarters of Spain’s land is vulnerable to desertification. The nation has adopted a model that prioritizes water use for heavily irrigated and industrial crops within its hydrological plans, with irrigation drawing a large share of available water resources.
WWF characterizes this water-management approach as damaging, noting that irrigated areas expanded by 11% while modernization of irrigation systems has stalled since 2005.
“The drought patterns in Europe and Spain should not come as a surprise. Water risk maps have long indicated rising scarcity across the continent, and climate projections foresee more frequent and intense heatwaves and droughts that will complicate reliable water provision for populations,” states Teresa Gil, head of WWF’s water program.
“What should alarm everyone is that governments, administrations and companies keep ignoring these recurring risks and continue to plan and grow economies around water use as if the risks would disappear. Coercive measures are needed because inaction is not an option,” she adds.
Illegally extracted water
WWF references investigations that show more than 88,000 hectares, about 1.5 times the size of Madrid, are irrigated with illegally extracted water. This occurs across four major, overused aquifers feeding rivers connected to Daimiel, Doñana, Mar Menor and Los Arenales. Estimates also indicate around one million illegal wells, contributing to Spain’s high water consumption in Europe.
“Diversions and reservoirs are not the solution to shortages. A new production model is needed—one that reduces ongoing irrigation expansion, favors rainfed crops as a sustainable option, and eliminates water theft. Investments in nature-based solutions to improve river, wetland and aquifer health are essential to make these systems more resilient to climate change,” WWF states.
…
Environment department contact address: [redacted to protect privacy]