The solution to drought does not fall from the sky

Catalonia is currently facing the worst drought on record, and it is more than just a natural phenomenon. This drought has political, economic, and cultural implications, and could have been prevented with proper action. Rather than relying solely on rainfall, preventative measures such as investing in infrastructure, managing water resources, and raising awareness among the population should have been taken. President Pere Aragonès may claim that this drought is an unavoidable catastrophe, but there is much that could have been done with proper foresight. The problem extends beyond the lack of rain; it is a lack of preparedness. We have known for months that we are facing one of the worst droughts in recent decades, and with the climate emergency, it is clear that we will have to adapt to living in a warmer country with less water. This requires rethinking our approach to water management in terms of flows, agriculture, and tourism. Urgent investment in new infrastructure that reduces our dependence on rainfall is necessary, as is a shift in mindset. We must inform people that they need to live differently and find solutions for those most affected by the drought. We should learn from countries like Israel, where treated water is extensively reused for agriculture and desalinated water is widely used in homes. Additionally, efforts to prevent leaks in pipes should be made, as they have been proven to be effective in reducing water loss. The Catalan government could have provided more support to municipalities responsible for water distribution, and more regeneration and desalination plants could have been implemented. Infrastructure plans made after a previous drought were not followed through due to short-sightedness. The Iberian Peninsula is drying up, and the solution to the drought will not magically appear. With the increasing frequency of extreme heat days, it is evident that water restrictions will become systemic and cannot be solved by individual territories alone. We need greater collaboration and coordination between regions and the central government. Spain is experiencing a prolonged severe meteorological drought, and political inaction is exacerbating the problem. We not only need more water; we need better policies to address this ongoing issue.