Ukraine continues to face large-scale climate change, causing frequent droughts, depletion of groundwater reserves, and threatening the agricultural sector. Recent studies show that the area of dry and very dry zones has increased by 7%, while wet areas have significantly decreased.
How is Ukraine’s climate changing?
Since the 1980s, the country has been experiencing the so-called “hot phase” of climate change. The average annual temperature has been steadily rising at a rate of +0.45°C per decade. If this trend continues, the temperature will rise by another 1.5-1.7°C by 2050.
The increase in temperature is accompanied by a decrease in precipitation. While precipitation levels remained relatively stable until 2008, they have dropped significantly over the past 10-15 years. As a result, the mechanism of drought has changed: the lack of moisture is now caused not only by the absence of rain, but also by high evaporation and increased water consumption by crops.
Implications for Ukraine
Comparing the periods 1991-2020, the area of dry and very dry zones in Ukraine increased by 7%, while areas with excessive moisture decreased by 10%. Polissia was particularly affected, where waterlogged lands have almost disappeared, now remaining only in the Carpathian region.
According to forecasts, by 2050, 67% of Ukraine’s territory will suffer from an acute water shortage, and by 2100, this figure could rise to 80%.
Impact on agriculture
Due to declining groundwater reserves and intense evaporation, Ukrainian agriculture faces the risk of falling yields. To maintain the stability of the agricultural sector, it is necessary to:
- introduce modern irrigation methods;
- use technologies to preserve soil moisture;
- revise agricultural approaches in light of climate change.
Conclusions
Ukraine is already experiencing the effects of global warming: droughts are intensifying, water resources are depleting, and agriculture needs to adapt urgently. Implementing effective moisture conservation strategies and modernizing agricultural policy will help minimize environmental and economic risks.
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