COULD PARTS OF SPAIN BECOME THE FIRST UNINHABITABLE AREAS IN EUROPE ?

The Spanish government announced 2.2 billion euros ($2.4 billion) worth of drought response measures Thursday, including funding for urban water reuse and further aid for struggling farmers. Currently, 27% of Spanish territory is in a drought “emergency” or “alert.” Spain recorded its hottest and driest April ever last month. “Spain is a country used to facing periods of drought,” Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera said. “But as a result of climate change, what we are witnessing is a much higher incidence … for which we must prepare ourselves.” Ribera said 1.4 billion euros would go toward building the infrastructure to double the use of treated wastewater in urban areas and constructing new desalination plants to increase the national supply of drinking water. Spain is Europe‘s leading producer and exporter of fresh fruit and vegetables. The country requested emergency funds from the European Union last month given the poor prognosis for this year’s crops. The government has announced plans to ban outdoor work during periods of extreme heat.

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