Excessively low water levels in Europe may affect various countries, including Germany’s, economies.

In 2012, the Rhine river’s water levels were reportedly so low, that it was unnavigable. This raised concern for both Germany’s government, as well as countries throughout Europe. It has led to production being placed on hold in certain regions, which has increased manufacturing costs, as well as disrupted the supply chain in the industrial sector throughout Europe.

What made this occurrence worse, was the heatwave, paired with drought experienced in Europe during the summer of 2019. The heatwave shocked Germany, Italy, Holland, and even the UK, with some of the hottest days experienced in decades.

What added negative contributing factors, was the fact that Germany’s economy reduced by 0.2%, before stagnating during its fourth quarter. This was caused primarily due to Rhine River’s lowered excessively low water levels.

Record Low Water Level Has Impacted Nearly Every Country in Europe

The Rhine river is considered one of Germany’s most important rivers, due to being one of the entire continent’s most prominent shipping routes. Should this river dry up completely, Germany’s economy will be severely affected, along with that of its neighboring countries.

Thus far, low water levels have disrupted the entire supply chain in Europe’s industrial heartland. There are indications that a repeat of excessive drought could occur again, due to high temperatures experienced during 2019’s scorching summer throughout the continent, which has been paired with a lack of rainfall.

A constant decline in water levels, have persisted since 2018, and have been causing problems in the European economy for the past two years. With 80% of goods transported via the River Rhine, a non-existing river is predicted to cause complete havoc for both the country, along with all of Europe.

Goods, such as agricultural products, oil, coal, and chemicals, get transported across the river. The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR), a body that is responsible for regulating the river’s navigation, is currently monitoring any further water declines, hoping that the winter season will bring plenty of rain for the restoration of the river.

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