Water Scarcity and Retention in European Landscapes

Addressing water scarcity and retention

Water scarcity and declining landscape retention are emerging as critical challenges for Europe’s climate adaptation, food security, and ecosystem resilience. Due to climate change droughts are more frequent, precipitation patterns are altered, and landscape degradation is accelerating both seasonal and long-term water deficits. At the same time, human activities such as river regulation, wetland drainage, deforestation, and soil sealing have sharply reduced natural water storage and infiltration capacities. 

Addressing this systemic problem requires integrated, science-based strategies that link climate, soil, biodiversity, and water management. The project “Water scarcity and retention in European landscapes” by the EASAC Environment Programme was endorsed by the Council in February 2026. The forthcoming report, set for publication in 2027, will synthesise current scientific evidence and provide policy options to enhance Europe’s water retention capacity through landscape-scale management, nature-based solutions, and better policy alignment.

Working group members

Composed of 21 experts from across Europe, nominated by their respective national science academies within the EASAC network, the working group brings together leading scientists from a range of disciplines to assess the drivers and impacts of declining water retention capacity across European landscapes and to provide evidence-based recommendations relevant to EU climate adaptation, water management, agriculture, and biodiversity policy.