On July 8, 2025, Europe is facing one of the most serious climate challenges in recent years — critically low water levels in its major rivers. This phenomenon is linked to a prolonged heatwave sweeping across the continent. Rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Elbe, Vistula, and Po are experiencing severe shallowing. In Germany, where the Rhine is vital for freight transport, vessels are running with partial loads as water levels near Koblenz drop to 70 cm. This significantly hampers navigation and drives up logistics costs. A similar situation is unfolding on the Danube, where barges are operating at only a third of their capacity in the Hungarian and Romanian sectors. The lower water levels have caused sharp increases in shipping costs and disrupted the transport of coal, oil, and agricultural goods. This has impacted industrial regions in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. Companies like BASF and Bayer have warned of potential production cuts. Environmentalists are alarmed: the shallowing threatens aquatic life and disrupts the ecological balance. New sandbanks have emerged, and water temperatures in some river segments have reached 29°C, which is lethal to fish. According to Allianz, the economic damage from the heat, including logistical losses due to low water levels, could reduce the EU's GDP by 0.5% by the end of 2025. In some countries like Spain and Hungary, the impact could be even more severe. Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/07/low-water-levels-shipping-europe-rivers-heatwave-rhine; https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/heatwaves-may-cut-gdp-by-05-pct-points-europe-allianz-says-2025-07-02; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_European_and_Mediterranean_wildfires