Both in Poland and around the world, we are increasingly grappling with the problem of a lack of or significantly reduced rainfall. Periods without rain often stretch on for weeks, exacerbating the drought. Until recently, we faced this problem primarily in summer, but in recent years, drought and a lack of rainfall have been making their presence felt as early as in the first weeks of spring. This situation increases the risk of drought, causing the baseline situation at the beginning of the year to worsen year after year. This means that in subsequent years, the problem of low water levels appears earlier and affects an increasingly larger area, and even a single episode of a snowier winter cannot improve the situation (see: https://stopsuszy.pl/roztopy-w-miastach-woda-ze-sniegu/).
Category Archives: Aktualności
On June 17, we invite you to the third Stop Drought! Start Retention! conference, which will take place in Gdańsk. During the event organized by the Polish Waters National Water Holding, we will focus on the practical dimension of drought mitigation. In particular, we will discuss the MEASURES proposed in the draft update of the Drought Effects Mitigation Plan (aPPSS).
What does environmental education of students look like in practice? What do children know about drought and ways to save water? We visited one of Warsaw’s elementary schools to find out. We invite you to read the article and watch the video on our YouTube channel, which details our meeting at the Primary School with Integrated Departments No. 41 named after the Home Army Soldiers “Krybar” in Warsaw.
April 22nd marks International Earth Day. It’s a day that annually prompts reflection on the condition of the natural environment. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” resonates particularly strongly with one of today’s most serious challenges: the growing problem of drought and dwindling water resources. Access to water is no longer a given, and water itself is becoming a strategic asset whose availability requires conscious management. The theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” reminds us that we are all responsible for our planet and that ordinary, everyday actions can counteract climate change, including the effects of drought.
Drought is one of the most serious environmental challenges we currently face in Poland and worldwide. Experts in hydrology, climatology, agriculture, and water management agree – the problem is growing and it is long-term. Increasingly frequent and prolonged periods without rainfall, rising temperatures, and climate change are leading to lower groundwater levels, drying up of rivers and lakes, and deteriorating conditions for agriculture and ecosystems.
In 1992, in Rio de Janeiro ,the UN General Assembly designated March 22nd as World Water Day. While any time is a good time to discuss water shortages and retention, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to combine knowledge, debate, and action. After all, water is the foundation of life, a strategic resource, and a prerequisite for stable social and economic development. Therefore, a systemic approach to water management, developed jointly by the government, local governments, and all citizens, is crucial.
Changes in winter weather and climate – less stable snowpack, more frequent snowmelt, and more rainfall in winter – have direct consequences for urban water management. Problems often arise due to a lack of knowledge about how to properly manage snowmelt. The best solution to this problem is retention and blue-green infrastructure that help manage excess water. Therefore, cities must invest in retention solutions.
The Winter Olympics celebrate the beauty of winter. Snow- and ice-covered surfaces allow us to enjoy many sports that are otherwise unavailable in summer, with its high temperatures. Unfortunately, these landscapes are most vulnerable to the dramatic effects of climate change. For years, many winter sports have struggled with a lack of snow, and it has become commonplace to see snow lying only on the ski slope or ski jump, while the surrounding area lacks snow. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, irregular snowfall, and increasing water shortages are rapidly transforming ecosystems worldwide. In this context, the Winter Olympics can no longer be viewed solely as a sporting event; they are becoming an important arena for environmental responsibility and climate action.
Traditionally, World Wetlands Day is celebrated worldwide on February 2nd. This international holiday was established to highlight the crucial role of wetlands in the functioning of ecosystems and the protection of water resources. This date commemorates the signing in 1971 of the Ramsar Convention – one of the oldest global environmental agreements aimed at protecting wetlands of international importance.
Winter in Polish climate conditions presents particular challenges for water management – both nationwide and for individual households. Due to climate change, natural water retention is not as effective as it was just a decade ago. Furthermore, low outdoor temperatures and intensive building heating make water resources vulnerable to losses. Although the heating season isn’t directly associated with water shortages, winter is a time of significant unnecessary losses in homes – often unnoticed, but significant throughout the year.
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