Since the turn of the 21st century, Serbia has grappled with severe episodes of drought and intense rainfall, resulting in substantial economic losses estimated to exceed six billion euros. More than 70% of these losses, totaling over four billion euros, are directly attributed to drought and high temperatures.
The increasing frequency of droughts is a stark manifestation of climate change, poised to become a recurring natural phenomenon due to shifting climate conditions. Rising global temperatures accelerate water evaporation from soil and plants, exacerbating drought conditions. This phenomenon is compounded by shorter, more intense rainy seasons and prolonged dry periods in many regions.
Professor Vladimir Đurđević from the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Physics notes, “Although total precipitation may not significantly decrease, its uneven distribution throughout the year heightens drought risks. Regions once accustomed to regular rainfall now endure extended dry spells.”
Climate change also contributes to early and intense heatwaves, further intensifying droughts and diminishing water availability for agriculture, drinking and industry. These environmental shifts have profound implications for agriculture, water resources, and public health, including reduced crop yields, water scarcity, increased forest fire risks, and soil degradation.
According to Serbia’s 2023 Program of Adaptation to Changed Climate Conditions, extreme climatic and weather events from 2000 to 2020 caused material damages totaling 6.8 billion euros, with droughts and high temperatures accounting for over 70% of these losses. The response from the government has historically been reactive and ad hoc, primarily occurring after periods of drought.
Moving forward, a proactive approach is crucial given projections of increased vulnerability and heightened risks from future climate change-induced droughts. While Serbia has made strides in disaster management since the devastating floods of 2014, efforts have predominantly focused on flood mitigation, leaving the country’s response to droughts underdeveloped.
Đurđević highlights, “Despite existing elements to address drought, Serbia lacks a cohesive national strategic document dedicated to drought management. Economic losses from droughts in certain years rival those from the 2014 floods, necessitating integrated and proactive drought response strategies.”
The agricultural sector, heavily reliant on crops like corn—critical to Serbia’s exports—is particularly vulnerable. Years marked by severe droughts, such as 2007, 2012, and 2021, underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies to safeguard agricultural stability amidst climate uncertainties.
Addressing these challenges demands innovative approaches and robust support to mitigate climate change’s adverse effects and ensure the resilience of Serbia’s agricultural sector.
