Vito Amantia’s farm in Sicily, which has been producing wheat for four generations, faced a complete loss this year due to severe drought. The expected yield of 650,000 kg of wheat was lost as the crops withered under extreme heat, with seedlings failing to grow beyond 5cm before drying up.
Sicily is enduring one of its worst water crises, exacerbated by record temperatures and minimal rainfall. In response to the crisis, the Italian government declared a state of emergency in May 2023. Despite this, the island remains a popular tourist destination, which adds further pressure on its already strained water resources.
Tourism on the island continues to thrive, even as the water crisis worsens. Visitors are attracted to Sicily’s sunny climate, but this influx exacerbates the water shortage. Christian Mulder, an ecology professor, highlights that the tourism industry significantly increases demand on the island’s limited water supply.
Sicily’s Drought Crisis Wheat Losses Wildfires and Tourism Strain Amid Severe Water ShortageThe drought is further complicated by wildfires, which have destroyed large areas of vegetation and caused significant financial damage. Last year’s fires resulted in over €60m in damages, and this year’s fires continue to ravage forests and farmland, adding to the challenges faced by local farmers.
Despite the harsh conditions, Sicily’s hospitality sector is booming, with hotels and B&Bs remaining full and popular tourist spots crowded. Some accommodations have been adapted by installing water tanks or using private water truck services, but smaller businesses, especially in Agrigento, are struggling with water supply issues.
Tourist arrivals have increased, with more flights to Sicily compared to the previous year. Hotels in tourist hotspots like Taormina are nearly at full capacity, and the influx of visitors shows no sign of diminishing despite the ongoing water shortages.
A potential solution to the crisis is the discovery of a large subterranean aquifer beneath the Iblei mountains in Ragusa province, which could hold around 17 billion cubic meters of water. This resource could be vital for addressing Sicily’s long-term water needs if it proves usable.
The situation in Sicily highlights the tension between the economic benefits of tourism and the environmental impacts of climate change. With worsening desertification and extreme weather, addressing the water crisis while managing the demands of tourism is critical for the island’s future sustainability.