The Facts
Europe is experiencing what may be its worst drought in five centuries, according to a report from the EU's European Drought Observatory (EDO).
Hydro and other power plants lack sufficient water to maintain cooling systems, crops such as sunflower, soybean and grain maize yields have reduced 12 - 16 percent compared to the last five years and low water levels have reduced inland shipping of products including coal and oil.
The Spin
Narrative A
We were warned for decades about the dangers of failing to address global warming. Now the consequences of our failures, such as record breaking heatwaves, droughts and declining crop yields, are finally upon us.
Narrative B
Extreme weather events are usually influenced by a myriad of factors, including natural variability. It is very difficult to conclusively establish any direct causal link between global warming and any specific weather event.