Extreme weather destroys crops: what won't be on our plates this year?

Water shortages have become a critical issue this summer in mountain huts across Slovenia, with some facilities forced to implement strict water conservation measures due to prolonged drought conditions. In particular, the Cojzova hut on the Kokra Pass has resorted to using water only for essential purposes, such as cooking, while limiting access to other uses. This situation highlights the growing challenges faced by high-altitude huts, many of which rely heavily on rainfall for their water supply. The impact of the drought is evident throughout the region, particularly around Mount Triglav, where several huts are experiencing severe water restrictions. According to Dušan Prašnikar, a specialist in mountain huts management and nature protection under the Alpine Association of Slovenia, the majority of high-altitude huts are in a critical state. He noted that in some huts, water availability is severely limited, with taps in sinks either partially restricted or completely turned off. In huts where water is still available, its usage is highly regulated, often leading to the introduction of paper towels and disposable wipes to reduce water consumption for washing dishes. Prašnikar emphasized the need for visitors to these huts to practice extreme water conservation. He recommended that visitors bring their own cleaning cloths and disinfectant solutions to minimize reliance on the limited water supply. He expressed hope that the predicted rain later in the week might help replenish the water reserves in the huts, although the current situation remains dire. Gorazd Žagar, president of the Kamnik Mountain Society, which manages the Cojzova hut, described the water situation as increasingly problematic. He explained that in the current dry conditions, water is only available for essential uses, allowing the kitchen to function according to hygiene standards. There is no water for washing, only enough for visitors to brush their teeth, with dry toilets being the norm. Žagar mentioned that the lack of rain over the past two months has significantly depleted the water reserves in the four storage tanks at the beginning of the summer season. Although recent rainfall has slightly improved the situation, it is far from sufficient to meet the needs of the hut. Despite these challenges, he noted that visitors generally understand the circumstances and are cooperative. In contrast, the situation at the Dom na Zelenici, managed by the Tržič Mountain Society, has been somewhat mitigated by the continued flow from a spring beneath Mount Storžič. Uroš Ahačič, president of the Tržič Mountain Society, stated that the recent rainfall has helped improve the condition of the spring, though they have implemented water-saving measures, including restricting toilet use to essential cases and providing food on disposable plates. Ahačič also highlighted the surprising fact that the spring under Mount Storžič has not dried up, offering a crucial water supply for the Dom pod Storžičem. Despite these efforts, the overall water crisis continues to affect multiple mountain huts, with the situation likely to persist until more substantial rainfall occurs. The ongoing drought has placed additional pressure on these remote facilities, requiring them to adapt quickly to ensure basic services can continue. As the summer progresses, the effectiveness of these conservation measures will be closely monitored, with hopes that the anticipated rain will provide much-needed relief.