Europe's rivers at record lows disrupt shipping and energy

A severe and prolonged drought across Europe has pushed major rivers to record-low water levels, crippling inland shipping, disrupting energy production, and stranding tourist cruises. The crisis, driven by successive heatwaves and scant rainfall, is now inflicting significant economic costs and raising urgent questions about long-term adaptation to a changing climate.

The Rhine and Danube, two of Europe's most vital commercial waterways, are at the epicenter of the disruption. Germany's Low-water Information System this week recorded extremely low levels at dozens of measuring stations along both rivers. At Kaub, a critical chokepoint on the Rhine, the navigable water depth dropped to a record low of 25 centimeters on August -, forcing cargo ships to carry only 20 to 30 percent of their normal loads to avoid grounding. This has drastically increased freight costs and placed strain on rail and road networks. Economists warn the ongoing disruption could reduce German economic output by between 1 billion and 2 billion euros in the third quarter.

The Danube, which flows through ten countries, has seen similar historic lows. In Hungary, water levels in Budapest came within 8...