The Climate Question - Can we cope with droughts?

Europe is reeling from a record-breaking drought which has closed nuclear power stations, stopped river traffic and sent food prices soaring. And there may now be more intense droughts in some parts of the world because of climate change.

Our host Graihagh Jackson explores solutions from water usage apps in South Africa to solar irrigation systems in Egypt. She also looks at the challenges of adapting our energy infrastructure for a warming planet.

Her guests are Dr Iain Staffell, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy at Imperial College London, and Dr Vidhisha Samarasekara, Strategic Program Director for Water, Climate Change and Resilience at the International Water Management Institute.

Got a question for The Climate Question? Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

Picture Credit: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Producers: Diane Richardson and Melanie Stewart-Smith
Sound Mix: Tom Brignell and Philip Bull
Editor: Simon Watts

Published on Sunday, 30th August 2026.

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