Home Database Indicators Drought impact on ecosystems in Europe
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Indicator

Drought impact on ecosystems in Europe

Description

  • The indicator addresses anomalies and long term trends of vegetation productivity derived from remote sensing observed time series of vegetation indices in areas that are pressured by drought.
  • Between 2000 and 2016, Europe was affected by severe droughts, causing average yearly vegetation productivity losses covering around 121 000 km2. This was particularly notable in 2003, when drought affected most parts of Europe, covering an estimated 330 000 km2 of forests, non-irrigated arable land and pastures. Drought impact was also relatively severe in 2005 and 2012.
  • Monitoring vegetation response to water deficit due to droughts is necessary to be able to introduce effective measures to increase the resilience of ecosystems in line with the EU’s nature restoration plan — a key element of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030. 

Reference information

Source:
EEA

Published in Climate-ADAPT Dec 27 2020   -   Last Modified in Climate-ADAPT Mar 05 2024

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