Catalonia plans to solve its chronic drought problem without rain

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🗞️ Driving the news: Catalonia is launching a €2.3 billion plan to address its chronic water shortages by 2040, aiming to reduce dependency on rainfall
• The strategy, presented by President Salvador Illa, includes constructing new desalination plants, enhancing wastewater management, and fixing leaky infrastructure
• This plan seeks to avert severe water scarcity episodes experienced in the past four years

🔭 The context: The region faced a drought emergency this year, with reservoirs dropping below 16% capacity, prompting strict water usage restrictions
• Although recent rains have slightly alleviated the situation, the risk remains high due to ongoing climate change impacts
• Previous initiatives under former President Pere Aragonès laid groundwork, but Illa’s plan increases investment and shifts towards more sustainable, circular water management practices

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Catalonia's commitment to desalination and water circularity is crucial for adapting to climate-induced water scarcity
• By reducing reliance on rainfall, the region sets a precedent for sustainable water management in arid climates, potentially serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges

⏭️ What's next: The regional government plans to have 70% of its water from non-reservoir sources by 2027
• Future efforts will focus on building the new desalination plant in Costa Brava and implementing wastewater diversion projects, with cooperation needed from the Spanish government for full execution

💬 One quote: “We are moving from a linear [water management model] to a circular one,” stated Silvia Paneque, Minister of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition

📈 One stat: Catalonia aims to increase non-reservoir water sources from 33% to 70% by 2027

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