Dependencies of Europe’s economy on other parts of the world in terms of water resources

Climate change is leading to increased water scarcity and drought in many parts of the world. This has implications for the European Union (EU) because many of the goods consumed or used in the EU are produced abroad. This makes its economy dependent on water resources well beyond its borders.

This report reveals where potential vulnerabilities to the EU’s food security and economic stability exist and identifies which food products may become more expensive in Europe in the near and longer term future.

In the near future, supplies of soybeans, rice, sugar cane, cotton, almonds, pistachios and grapes are most likely to be affected because they come from areas with significant or severe levels of water scarcity. In the longer term, products such as coffee and cocoa could be impacted if climate change alters rainfall patterns and thereby increases the risk of drought or other water-related problems in their countries of origin.