Research – analysis: prof. Giannis Maniatis
With the assistance of PhD students: Dimitris Orfanu, Eleni Skouruleaku, Nikos Holeva

By 2040, more than 44 countries will face water shortages, including Greece and Spain. In general, the Mediterranean countries are among the regions of the planet with the highest risk of drought and water shortages. Today, Europe is already experiencing the longest period of drought in 500 years.

5605 liters of water for one kilogram of cheese

Water consumption in agriculture is determined not only by losses during irrigation, but also by the processing of products. Cheese is at the top of the water requirement at 5605 litres/kg. They are followed by nuts, fish farming, while cow farming and rice farming are also large consumers.

2.8 billion people will be thirsty in 2025

By 2025, more than 2.8 billion people in 48 countries will face severe water shortages. By the middle of the century, it could even reach 7 billion people. Greece belongs to the countries with the highest water consumption, 2,389 m3 per year, just after the United States of America.

Record surplus for Russia

Russia’s June and July 2022 surplus remains extremely high (nearly $28 billion). In particular, it is more than three times higher than the corresponding surplus of all previous years. The unrealistic rise in fuel prices will almost nullify any reduction in imports to Europe.

Decrease in green energy

In the European energy paradoxes of the time, there is a major reduction in electricity generation from two of the most important low-carbon sources, hydropower (-20%) and nuclear power (-12%), compared to 2021. In the German energy mix, 2026, the first source of supply will be natural gas, and the second – coal with zero nuclear power (however, the extension of their operation is being discussed).

Great products from sun and wind

One of the least pleasant moments in the energy situation is that the sum of wind and photovoltaic installations exceeds 10% of global electricity production (as of 2021). China, the United States of America, Japan and Germany are the countries with the largest global production. In Europe, the UK and Denmark also stand out, although much lower.