Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean basin, is facing the harsh reality of global warming. The effects of climate change are evident in various aspects of life on the island, from devastating droughts to scorching heatwaves. Gerardo Diana, a Sicilian farmer, has witnessed first-hand the impact of the two-year drought on his crops, including wheat, beans, and blood oranges. Despite his efforts to pump water from underground sources, his plants are at risk of dying due to the prolonged summer. The Mediterranean basin, including Sicily, is warming at a rate 20% faster than the global average, reaching a 1.5° Celsius increase in temperature since the pre-industrial era.
The consequences of climate change in Sicily go beyond droughts, with wildfires, flash floods, and extreme heatwaves becoming more frequent in recent years. In 2021, the town of Syracuse recorded a record-breaking temperature of 48.8° Celsius, highlighting the severity of global warming. According to Christian Mulder, an ecology professor at the University of Catania, the phenomenon of rising temperatures could affect up to two-thirds of Sicily’s territory by 2050 if no action is taken. Decades of desertification have also taken a toll on the island’s agriculture, with once fertile fields turning arid and barren.
Salvatore Morreale, a farmer in central Sicily, blames both the climate and authorities for the desertification of the region. He criticizes politicians for not addressing the issue earlier, noting that talks about desertification were already happening during his school years. Giuseppe Cirelli, an agricultural hydraulics professor at the University of Catania, highlights the outdated irrigation systems in Sicily, leading to significant water loss. In response to the water scarcity, local authorities have imposed restrictions on water usage, affecting one million people across nearly 100 municipalities.
In the city of Gela, families like Floriana Callea’s are struggling to access water, with supply limited to once every three days. The insufficient water storage in tanks has created frustration and stress among residents, highlighting the urgency of the water crisis in Sicily. Despite the challenges faced by Sicilians, many hope that the island’s ordeal will serve as a wake-up call for Europe as a whole. Farmer Gerardo emphasizes the importance of acknowledging climate change and taking action to mitigate its impact. As Sicily continues to grapple with the effects of global warming, the region is at a critical juncture in addressing the climate crisis and implementing sustainable solutions.
