Drought
The trees in Luxembourg's forests started changing colour and shedding leaves early. Martine Neuberg from the Nature and Forest Agency says it is clear they are suffering from stress and have stopped supplying their leaves with water since June.
A lack of rainfall and persistent heat over recent weeks has placed considerable strain on the country's woodlands. The effects are particularly visible in the Ellergronn natural reserve in Esch-sur-Alzette, where ponds and marshes are drying out. Paul Zimmermann, a forester in the area, says the springs that used to feed these wetlands have stopped flowing. Because of evaporation, there is even less water left.
Under stress from heat and water shortages, trees cannot perform vital tasks. They produce oxygen and offer shade less effectively. Neuberg warns that if forests do not keep growing, they cannot produce as much oxygen as before. These are among the long-term consequences of climate change, experts say.
Compared to last year, the situation is clearly worse. Neuberg warns that trees could grow less next year. But she emphasises that fear is not a good strategy. Instead, armed with what they know today, the agency is working on adapting forests so they can continue providing essential ecosystem services for future generations.
The heat wave continues. The orange alert issued by MeteoLux remains in effect, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees on Thursday afternoon.