Greece faces water crisis amid climate change, warns PM

Athens: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has issued a stark warning over the country’s worsening water scarcity, describing the situation as a national emergency driven by the accelerating impacts of climate change.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday dedicated to long-term water management strategies, Mitsotakis revealed that water levels in reservoirs supplying Athens have plunged by more than 50% since 2022. The decline places Greece 19th globally in terms of water scarcity risk.

“Water reserves in Attica have decreased dramatically, and dam levels are at historic lows, affecting both supply and energy generation,” Mitsotakis said. “This is a national priority. Urgent reforms are needed to ensure water security for the decades ahead.”

The warning comes as Greece endures the fallout from its warmest winter and summer on record, with large swathes of the country experiencing prolonged periods without rainfall. Located in one of Europe’s most climate-vulnerable regions, the country has faced increasing pressure on its natural resources.

In response to the crisis, the Greek government has launched over 1,200 water management projects. These include investments in desalination plants, water recycling facilities, and tapping coastal springs. Plans also call for merging debt-ridden local water utilities to improve efficiency and service delivery.

However, Mitsotakis acknowledged that aging infrastructure remains a serious challenge. According to official data, nearly 50% of drinking water is lost through pipe leaks and unauthorized use—double the average rate across the European Union.

The water crisis adds to a string of environmental challenges confronting Greece, which last year suffered from devastating wildfires fueled by extreme heat and drought. In preparation for what is expected to be another severe fire season, the government has extended the deadline for clearing overgrown vegetation on private properties by 45 days.

Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of public cooperation, calling the removal of dry brush and debris “a critical line of defence” in wildfire prevention. Last year, such efforts proved crucial in protecting homes and supporting firefighting operations.

As part of its 2025 fire prevention and response plan, the government is investing in early warning systems and enhancing coordination among emergency services.

With water scarcity and wildfires both exacerbated by climate change, officials say the country is at a critical juncture. “We must act decisively now to safeguard our environment, our economy, and future generations,” Mitsotakis said.