Climate change and drought threaten agricultural stability

Climate change and increasing water scarcity are posing significant threats to agricultural stability, both historically and in the modern era. Research into the Bronze Age collapse suggests that severe, prolonged droughts in the Mediterranean—driven by shifting monsoon systems and Atlantic climate cycles—contributed to the downfall of ancient civilizations and mass migrations.

In a contemporary context, Lena Ila-Mononen, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), warns that parts of Europe may become unsuitable for agriculture. She notes that extreme heat and drought are no longer confined to traditionally arid regions, citing recent impacts in Ukraine and Hungary. In the Mediterranean, certain crops may become unsustainable as intensive irrigation becomes unfeasible due to dwindling water supplies. These climate risks threaten food security, transport, and energy infrastructure across the continent.