- 22
- Mar
- 2025
The winter of 2025 in Lebanon has been particularly dry, with precipitation levels far below seasonal averages. This concerning climate phenomenon is starting to have severe consequences on several vital sectors of the country. While much attention is given to the economic and political crises shaking Lebanon, the impact of this dry winter on the economy, agriculture, ecosystem, and health is equally dramatic.
This year, Lebanon has experienced an exceptionally dry winter, with rainfall dropping by 70% compared to previous years. This prolonged drought is having devastating effects on multiple key sectors. Agriculture, water supply, energy, and even public health are all under threat due to the lack of precipitation. The consequences of this drought are becoming increasingly heavy.
The rising costs of water management and the need to outsource are further straining both public and private expenditures. The impact on Lebanon’s economy could become even more significant if the situation persists.
Studies by the Ministry of Environment indicate that climate change could lead to a 14% decrease in GDP by 2040 and an additional 32% drop by 2080.
Lebanon has always been a country where, despite its short winters, abundant rainfall replenished groundwater reserves and water reservoirs essential for agriculture and energy production. However, this year’s exceptional climatic event is exacerbating existing difficulties.
Lebanon’s agricultural sector, already fragile due to the economic crisis and the last war, is suffering immensely from this drought. Wheat, vegetable, and fruit crops, which rely on water resources, are at risk of experiencing dangerously low yields. “This situation could lead to a significant reduction in local production in the coming months,” an agricultural expert told This Is Beirut. “Moreover, the lack of rain makes natural irrigation impossible, forcing farmers to rely on costly alternatives such as artificial irrigation,” he added.
Water authorities across different regions have implemented strict rationing measures. As a result, farmers are compelled to purchase water, a costly burden that jeopardizes their livelihoods.
Other issues are also emerging. “Crop damage is worsened by the drought, which depletes soil fertility and makes it more susceptible to disease,” the expert explained.
The drought is also severely impacting livestock farming, as grasslands dry up and access to water becomes increasingly scarce. This situation is expected to drive up the prices of local products and increase dependence on imports.
Another direct consequence of the drought is the drastic reduction—or even total shutdown—of hydroelectric power plants that rely on river flows for electricity production. The Litani National Authority has already reported the suspension of hydroelectric energy production since March 17 due to low water levels in reservoirs. This situation exacerbates the already existing energy crisis, leading to more frequent and prolonged power outages. It further increases reliance on private generators, whose costs have become unsustainable for many Lebanese, while also worsening greenhouse gas emissions.
Lebanon’s already fragile ecosystems are not spared by this abnormally dry climate. The lack of water disrupts the natural balance of forests, rivers, and wetlands, endangering plant and animal species that thrive there. Moreover, the iconic cedar forests of Lebanon are particularly threatened by declining humidity levels.
Furthermore, the absence of rain has a devastating effect on biodiversity. Trees, plants, and crops lose their ability to regenerate, and some aquatic ecosystems are at risk of drying up, threatening fish and other species that rely on them.
This disruption could lead to irreversible losses for the country’s wildlife and flora. Lebanon’s rivers and lakes, crucial for biodiversity and water regulation, are at historically low levels. Additionally, the decline in water levels in reservoirs and groundwater reserves could lead to soil dehydration, gradually transforming certain regions into arid landscapes.
“The inefficiency of water resource management policies and the lack of proper water storage infrastructure are worsening the situation. Preventive water resource management is now more urgent than ever to avoid an even deeper crisis in the future,” the expert emphasized.
The prolonged drought also poses serious public health risks. The lack of water affects drinking water quality, potentially leading to contamination of existing reserves and, consequently, a rise in waterborne diseases. Gastrointestinal illnesses, for instance, could become more prevalent, particularly in areas with irregular water supply.
Additionally, drought tends to intensify heatwaves, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Respiratory diseases may also rise due to increased pollution, especially during summer months. Not to mention water scarcity directly affects hygiene conditions, particularly among the most disadvantaged populations.
This dry winter is an alarming sign of growing environmental, economic, and health challenges Lebanon must confront. This crisis underscores the urgent need for more effective water resource management and adaptation to climate change.
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