欧洲和地中海盆地过半地区5月中旬遭遇干旱

Group 1 - The report from the European Union Commission's Joint Research Centre indicates that over half of Europe and the Mediterranean basin experienced drought in mid-May, marking the highest level since monitoring began in 2012 [1] - The drought affected 53% of the region from May 11 to 20, which is over 20 percentage points higher than the average from 2012 to 2024 [1] - 42% of the affected areas are experiencing water shortages at the warning level, while 5% are at the alert level, indicating abnormal vegetation growth [1] Group 2 - High temperatures and reduced rainfall are the primary causes of the drought, which is expanding in range and severity [1] - In Northern, Eastern, and Central Europe, drought conditions are at a high alert level, with approximately 19% of Ukraine's land facing alert-level drought affecting crop growth [2] - The UK has experienced its warmest spring since records began in 1884, with 98% of the regions facing drought conditions since mid-March, and rainfall 40% below the long-term average [2] Group 3 - The reduction in precipitation, soil dryness, and river drying are putting pressure on ecosystems, agriculture, and transportation across Europe and surrounding areas [2] - The European Central Bank has warned that the eurozone economy heavily relies on natural ecosystems and related industries, with drought potentially leading to significant economic risks [2] - A lack of surface water could put nearly 15% of the eurozone's economic output at risk [2]