Warming Paris region faces €2.5bn bill from future drought crises

A satellite image of the River Seine winding its way through the Paris region, where climate change and increasing water demands are raising concerns about future drought resilience. AFP - ALEXANDER GERST

Severe drought episodes could cost Paris and its surrounding areas up to €2.5 billion in economic damage by the end of the century, a report published Monday by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warned.

While the French capital hasn't yet experienced the extreme water shortages seen in cities like Barcelona and Cape Town – where authorities imposed tough restrictions and rationing measures – climate projections suggest conditions are set to worsen, particularly after 2050.